Stolen Bicycle Recovered Thanks to Alert Citizen

Someone watching a media report about a stolen bicycle thought they had seen the bicycle and called the Washington County Sheriff's Office. It turns out the person was right and the bicycle was recovered.

The bicycle belonged to Jason Eland, a man with special needs, and was stolen just over one week ago from outside the Fred Meyer in Raleigh Hills. The bicycle is a big part of his life. Every day he would ride it from his sister's home - where he lives - to the Fred Meyer, then to Washington Square, and then back home.

Deputies confirmed the bicycle was Eland's through the serial number.

While they were able to recover the bicycle, the suspect fled on foot and jumped a wall. Deputies believe the person is named Kurt Justus. The photo above is a booking photo from a previous arrested.

The Bike Gallery in Beaverton, where the bicycle was originally purchased, has offered to service the bicycle to make sure it is in good working order. Trek bicycles had also contacted the Sheriff's Office to generously donate a new bicycle to Jason. The Bike Gallery in Beaverton will reunited Jason with his bicycle once it has been serviced.

The Sheriff's Office said they wanted to offer thanks to the community, The Bike Gallery, Trek Bicycles and the media for their generosity in offering a replacement bicycle for Jason as well as spreading the word about this case.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Kurt Justus, do not approach him and call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (503) 629-0111.

Photo Washington County Sheriff's Office