October 26, 2020 4:50 p.m.

A Roseburg man has been arrested on numerous theft charges related to local car break-ins.

Sergeant Jeff Eichenbusch of the Roseburg Police said Monday morning just before 8:30 a.m. officers went to the Howard Johnson Motel on Northeast Stephens to attempt to arrest Trask Phelps. The suspect’s probation officer had called and reported that the man was at that location, and there was an active warrant for his arrest.

Eichenbusch said when officers arrived and tried to contact Phelps at a room, he allegedly tried going out the back window. As he was emerging, an officer could see Phelps was holding a handgun in each hand. The officer challenged the suspect and tried to tase him but the taser missed, and Phelps retreated back into the room. Phelps then ran out the front door, but officers on that side no longer saw him carrying any firearms. A foot pursuit ensued through several yards and businesses in the area. The man was eventually caught hiding under a shed on Neuner Street, north of the motel. Eichenbusch said officers challenged Phelps at gunpoint and he gave up and was arrested without further incident.

During the investigation, officers learned the two guns the man was holding were reported stolen from car break-ins in the Harvard area in the past week. Eichenbusch told News Radio 1240 KQEN those had taken place primarily between Foothill Drive and Hickory Street. Officers were able to locate numerous other pieces of stolen property that linked Phelps to several other local car break-ins.

The 35-year old was charged with five counts of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of first-degree theft, second-degree theft, third-degree theft and for a warrant. He was detained without bail.

Eichenbusch said detectives are continuing the investigation and are applying for a search warrant in anticipation of recovering more stolen property.