PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles police are searching for the driver of a stolen Ford Fiesta who attempted to dispose of it by sending it over a bluff Thursday — unsuccessfully.
Heavy brush slowed and stopped the vehicle before it could get to the bottom.
The Fiesta was reported stolen out of Port Angeles and has been returned to the custody of the owner, Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said Friday, “albeit probably with some damage.”
Police “are trying to establish the who and the what in terms of who stole it [and] how did it get there,” he said.
No arrests had been made as of Friday, he said.
At about 5:14 p.m., police were dispatched to the bluff at Fourth and G streets after receiving reports of a vehicle found abandoned partially down the embankment.
Police Cpl. David Dombrowski said on scene that when police approached the vehicle, the ignition was still in the “on” position and rocks had been placed on the accelerator pedal, suggesting the vehicle was intentionally steered over the edge.
The case remains under investigation Smith said.
Police encourage anyone with information about the case to contact them at 360-452-4545.
“We would love to hear from anyone who had any information on the theft or the identities of any persons involved or the facts and circumstances surrounding” the incident, Smith said.
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Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
