Suspect in PNW crime spree arrested following standoff in Port of Kalama
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 38-year-old man from Astoria who was wanted for a recent crime spree that spanned Oregon, Washington and Idaho, was arrested Monday after barricading himself inside a Port of Kalama business at approximately 8 a.m., the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said.
Suspect Jacob Dean Smart is thought to have committed the string of crimes wearing a mask with a bald head and long, brown beard.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office initially issued a warning on Feb. 24 stating that Jacob Dean Smart was wanted for kidnapping, burglary, and stolen vehicle charges in connection to a break-in that occurred in Longview on Feb. 23 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
“The pictured suspect was burglarizing the residence and was interrupted by the homeowner,” the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said. “The homeowner was violently assaulted in their own home where the suspect subsequently stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.”
Deputies who responded to the crime found the victim’s stolen vehicle at the top of Columbia Heights Road, where Smart is suspected to have ditched the vehicle before burglarizing another home on Pacific Way, the sheriff’s office said. A canine tracker was called to the scene. However, the suspect was able to elude authorities.
On Monday, the sheriff’s office issued another press release stating that Smart was wanted for another burglary that occurred near the Rebel Truck Stop in Kalama, Washington.
“Smart has multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest and has been linked to recent crimes in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho,” the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said.
A photo and description of Smart’s appearance was released prior to Monday’s standoff. Smart is described as a white man standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds with brown eyes and hair.
Prior to the suspect's arrest, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office asked local citizens to remain alert due to the series of crimes committed in the area. KOIN 6 has reached out to the sheriff's office for more information about the standoff and ensuing arrest and is awaiting a response.