Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Vehicle Break-In Has 10-year History Of Car-Related Crimes

PORTLAND, OR — A Portland man with a 10-year history of car theft and break-in convictions in Multnomah County was arrested Thursday while allegedly breaking into another car in the Cully neighborhood, near the Portland International Airport.

Jordan Michael Chambers, 32, was taken to the Multnomah County jail on several charges, including multiple counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, as well as individual charges for criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and failure to perform the duties of a driver. Chambers' bail is set at $55,000, and his arraignment is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday.

According to police, the multiple charges stem from a suspicion that Chambers is also responsible for other recent though unsolved cases.

Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Aug. 24, officers responding to a suspicious person report in the 5400-block of Northeast Killingsworth Street found Chambers standing near a Ford truck with an attached trailer that had apparently been rifled through, police said. Items from inside the truck were reportedly found "strewn about the ground" in the area.

The arresting officers reportedly recognized Chambers as a wanted suspect.

Detectives with the bureau's Detective Coordination Team believe Chambers is tied to at least five other car break-ins and thefts, as well as an incident July 8 where Chambers is suspected of escaping police after flipping a stolen car and running from the crash during a police chase, leaving behind an injured passenger.

Detectives also place Chambers at a U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer on Aug. 12. They say a U-Haul employee saw Chambers steal a trailer from 7345 N.E. Sandy Blvd., and that when he was approached by police he nearly hit an officer while fleeing the area in a car.

Police also believe Chambers is responsible for a trailer stolen Aug. 11, and three additional car thefts Aug. 21, 23, and 24 — the same day he was arrested for allegedly breaking into the Ford.

Chambers history of car-related criminal convictions began June 3, 2006. Since then, and including his current charges, Chambers has been connected to at least 13 different vehicle thefts and break-ins.

Police police encourage vehicle owners to never leave valuable items visible when not in the car. Anything that may appear valuable at a glance could put your car at risk.

Photo Courtesy: Portland Police Bureau