After a months-long investigation led by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF), a suspect has been indicted on 16 charges related to a multi-state car theft ring.
Investigators learned of a car theft ring involving newer American muscle cars, such as Dodge Challengers and Chevrolet Camaros, some of which are valued at over $70,000 each. The investigation revealed that the ring paid individuals a few hundred dollars for a “drop” (information on where target vehicles are located) and then members of the car theft ring would go to that location and use a readily available electronic device to operate and steal the target vehicles without having an original key. Members of the ring then offered those vehicles for sale at a fraction of the price through various online social media platforms. Investigators also learned that members of this ring are usually armed with guns.
The main suspect and ringleader has been identified as Aric Wade Adams, 21, of Central Point, Oregon. Upon review of the evidence, ATTF Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on July 30, 2024 for 16 counts:
- One count of Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm
- Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree
- One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm
- One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle with a Firearm
- Three counts of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
- Four counts of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Four counts of Theft in the First Degree
On August 8th, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies in Oregon and Washington served a search warrant on Adams’ home in Central Point, Oregon, and placed Adams under arrest for his warrant. He was transported by Multnomah County Deputies back to Multnomah County, lodged into the detention center, and arraigned on the charges today.
The indicted charges stem from four separate incidents. Through a warrant, investigators reviewed evidence – primarily social media messages and photos – that identify Adams as the suspect in each of the incidents, as follows:
Incident 1
On March 24, 2024, a member of the Facebook group, PDX Stolen Cars, located an unreported stolen Chevrolet Corvette worth $70,000 in downtown Portland. The vehicle belonged to a local dealership, which informed investigators that they had last seen the vehicle the day before.
The social media evidence showed that Adams had been involved with the theft of the Corvette. The evidence included messages about selling the stolen Corvette to another social media user for $6,000, repost of online ads from the dealership listing the vehicle for sale, and two videos of the vehicle on March 24, shortly after the theft had occurred.
Incident 2
In the early hours of March 26, 2024, a Portland Police Bureau officer took a stolen vehicle report for a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. The officer interviewed a juvenile female witness (the daughter of the Camaro’s registered owner) and an adult male witness (the husband of the registered owner) at their residence. Both witnesses reported that they looked outside and saw multiple individuals breaking into the Camaro. Both reported they saw a green laser pointed at the adult male. The adult male reported that when he saw the Camaro actively being stolen, he exchanged words with the thieves. The adult male said when he saw the green laser on his chest, he knew that in that moment a gun was being pointed at him, so fearing he was going to be shot, he disengaged.
The social media evidence revealed that Adams admitted to the theft of this Camaro, as well as evidence that he used a firearm in the commission of the theft. Investigators also found pictures of the stolen Camaro, as well as a picture illustrating his attempt to sell the Camaro after the theft.
Incident 3
On March 26, 2024, at approximately 4:55 a.m., a PPB officer reported that he self-dispatched to a stolen vehicle complaint. The officer spoke with the victim, who reported that his 2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack had been stolen. Currently, this vehicle has still not been recovered. The value of the Charger at the time it was stolen was approximately $39,000.
The social media evidence revealed that Adams stole the Charger. The evidence included messages about selling the Charger for $4500, as well as a few photos of the vehicle after it had been stolen.
Incident 4
On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a PPB officer reported that he took a stolen vehicle call. The officer contacted the owner of a 2015 Dodge Challenger, who reported that he had parked the car in his hotel parking lot and noticed it missing on April 8 when he went to head home. This vehicle was subsequently recovered by Washington County Sheriff’s Office on April 13, 2024. The value of the Challenger at the time it was stolen was approximately $60,000.
During a review of the evidence obtained through the warrant, investigators found photo and audio evidence that Adams stole the Challenger. The evidence includes pictures and direct voice messages.
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This matter remains under investigation, and MCDA will continue to provide updates as the case progresses. Law enforcement is releasing Adams’ mug shot in the hopes that it may spur additional victims or witnesses to come forward with information.
If you have any information relating to these car thefts or Aric Adams, please contact MCSO Detective Dylan Lerch at [email protected]. Adams is only accused of committing a crime. He is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MCDA would like to acknowledge the many law enforcement partners who have assisted with this investigation, including the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police Department, Tigard Police Department, Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Sacramento Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Tacoma Police Department and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. MCDA would also like to thank PDX Stolen Cars.