Deputies arrest suspect in Sublimity crimes

Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies arrested a man in connection with a stolen vehicle that had been reported in Sublimity.

The sheriff’s office received a number of reports earlier this month regarding vandalism, petty theft and the stolen vehicle, amounting to a crime spree. Deputy Tom Barber advised the Sublimity City Council of the rash of incidents during its February meeting.

MCSO Lt. Chris Baldridge said Thursday that deputies spotted the stolen car on the night of Feb. 13 and pursued it.

“Our office was involved with an attempt to elude from the stolen vehicle,” Baldridge said. “A deputy was able to identify the driver…We chased him up off North Fork Road and recovered the vehicle but were unable to apprehend the suspect.”

Police later arrested Gerald J. Hefner, 34, address unknown, on a number of outstanding warrants, including theft and criminal mischief. He was lodged in the Marion County Jail.

“He is our prime suspect for the rash of car break-ins and vehicle damage that we had in Sublimity,” Baldridge said.

Baldridge said that although no new incidents have been reported recently, the investigation to the Sublimity crimes remains ongoing and police are asking residents to check security or surveillance cameras for further leads.

Barber also stressed that residents should continue to be vigilant and lock their vehicles.

“It’s still an active investigation, and we’re asking that anyone who may have seen (the suspect) should contact Deputy Barber,” Baldridge said.

Barber apprised the Sublimity City Council of the crime spree during its Feb. 13 meeting.

“In the last five days Sublimity has experienced well over 15 to 20 vehicle prowls and one vehicle theft,” Barber reported, “including damage and criminal mischief to vehicles, smashing windows…This rash started (near) the south end of town, SW 9th St., Fox Hill (area). In the last few days it has progressed north and spread throughout the city.”

The deputy said there appeared “no rhyme or reason,” to the criminal activity, which included the stolen vehicle, a car charger, loose change, some papers tossed around.

The spree was explicit enough to draw reinforcements to the city as the county deployed undercover deputies in an effort to waylay further destruction.

Sublimity sees vandalism, petty-theft spike