The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of three individuals involved in the theft of a car with a service dog inside in Oregon City on Monday. In a series of events leading to the recovery of both the stolen vehicle and the family’s beloved service dog, the authorities were able to bring a happy ending to what could have been a tragic story for the family involved.
Service dog ‘Takoda’ wasn’t in the car, rescued later that evening
On Wednesday, around 11:30 a.m., a sheriff’s sergeant spotted the stolen car as it was entering the Crown Point Apartments. Attempts to stop the vehicle resulted in the driver speeding away. Moreover, the driver and a passenger fled on foot into an apartment after crashing into two parked cars. Significantly, the car did not have the family’s service dog, Takoda, inside at the time of recovery. This sparked concerns about the pet’s safety and whereabouts.
After a tense standoff, 26-year-old Derek Johnson and 42-year-old Celeste Bush eventually surrendered to deputies and were arrested. A third accomplice, 54-year-old Nina White, was also apprehended for attempting to hide Johnson and Bush, thus hindering the prosecution.
Fortunately, Takoda the service dog, was found later the same evening. Acting on a tip, Takoda’s family was alerted that he had been spotted at an apartment complex in Happy Valley, on SE Skyshow Place. With this information, deputies swiftly moved to recover Takoda, ultimately reuniting him with his relieved family.
Johnson faces several charges, including an attempt to elude an officer and failure to perform the duties of a driver. Additionally, there is a warrant for larceny and identity theft issued by the Oregon Department of Corrections. Meanwhile, Bush is detained on a parole violation related to identity theft from Multnomah County. The case continues to unfold as the investigation progresses.
