Vehicle Prowl Leads to Big ID, Fraud Bust — Bad Actors, Too

What began as a vehicle prowl report quickly led Police in Kennewick to a pair of suspects, and unravelled a large theft ring.

Tuesday, officers investigating the vehicle prowl and theft were able to quickly utilize the use of the stolen credit cards. Their investigation led them to the Motel 6 along Highway 240 and Columbia Center North, along with security camera footage.

Officers surrounded the room, and attempted to call out one of the suspects, but no response. The other suspect, who'd left, returned and then tried to act "normal" when he saw the officers at the location. That suspect, ID'd at Austin Dunham, was apprehended and was in possession of the stolen debit card from the car, and a number of gift cards he'd purchased using that card.

The other suspect, Onrea Ellis, was finally persuaded to exit the room and was arrested. Inside police found evidence from the car prowl, as well as two other burglary thefts in the Tri City area. The two are now facing multiple charges.