Police Department

Northtown Auto Vehicle Thefts

Ofc. Joshua Laiva, PIO

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 3:46 p.m.

On October 17, 2019 just after 3:00AM, Spokane Police Officers responded to the report of a vehicle prowler at the Northtown Auto Liquidators located near the intersection of N Division St. / W Garland Ave.  A witness reported a suspect had gotten into a Mercedes sedan parked in the lot.  Responding Officers were close by and apprehended 39 year old Wayne R. Mellgren after he attempted to flee.  Mellgren had vehicle keys to the Mercedes in his possession, and appeared to have been trying to steal the vehicle.  Mellgren was also found in possession of keys and paperwork from a stolen 2011 Audi SUV which was stolen from the Northtown Auto Liquidators on October 16^th.  Mellgren had previously been arrested on October 4^th for Vehicle Theft when he stole a Jeep from Northtown Auto Liquidators.  Mellgren was released from custody on October 7^th.  Mellgren is also suspected in other Vehicle Thefts from the dealership and Spokane area.  Mellgren was not an employee, or customer, and has no association with the dealership.  Mellgren is a five time convicted felon.  Mellgren was arrested for Attempted Vehicle Theft, Vehicle Theft, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.  The stolen Audi was later recovered. 

Spokane Police take Vehicle Theft very seriously and work tirelessly to bring these cases to a resolution.  Spokane Police would like to encourage anyone witnessing suspicious activity around parking lots for businesses, during hours when they are not normally open, to call and report the activity to Crime Check at (509)456-2233.  Thanks to the help from witnesses, and cooperation from the dealership, these cases resulted in the suspect being arrested and charged. 

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