New Laws Kept Cops From Busting Mail Theves Right in Front of Them

Thanks to legislators in Olympia, these two Pasco-based mail theft (and likely auto theft) suspects were able to literally run away from Officers, who couldn't arrest them

REASONABLE SUSPICION REPLACED BY PROBABLE CAUSE 

This is probably the biggest hurdle thrown up against Police. They issued this updated information Wednesday:

"Rian Porter, DOB 040297 of Pasco, and at last count, he had four warrants out for his arrest. The female is Lexis Rutherford, DOB 092594 of Pasco, and she has two warrants."

They're wanted in connection with mail theft from the Greentree RV Park in November. Surveillance images show people seemingly matching them going through and stealing mail. This crime was reported on November 20th of this year.

Then Officers spotted what appeared to be the same vehicle in the parking lot of the Sage and Sun Motel at the base of the Cable Bridge in Pasco.  However, despite being confronted by officers, the two suspects fled on foot and could not be chased and captured because, according to the new law, Police could not use "reasonable suspicion" to hold them until warrants could be executed.

  SEARCH OF VEHICLE AND ROOM FOUND EVIDENCE OF THEFT

Police were able to find plenty of evidence of mail theft, including letters taken from Burbank, Benton City, and other areas of the Tri-Cities. The investigation also showed the car seen in the video and found at the motel was reported stolen out of Kennewick.

SO NOW WHAT?

Because Officers had to 'wait' to gather the evidence, they've got everything they need except the suspects. Anyone who may see these two, call (509)-628-0333. All leads can be confidential.  The recovered mail is being delivered to the rightful recipients by the Post Office.

Police remind people that mail theft jumps greatly during the holidays.