News Summary
A 37-year-old man, Abel Arambula, was arrested in Washington County after being linked to multiple burglaries at construction sites. His suspicious activity was reported around 3:30 a.m., leading to the discovery of stolen construction tools in his vehicle. Following a search at his residence, authorities found additional stolen items. Arambula faces charges including second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about thefts at local construction sites, prompting law enforcement to enhance their efforts in monitoring such areas.
Portland, Oregon – A 37-year-old man named Abel Arambula was arrested early Thursday morning following reports of suspicious activity at a construction site in Washington County. He now faces multiple charges related to the burglary that occurred at the site located on Northwest Anastasia Drive in Bethany.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. when a passerby alerted authorities about a suspicious individual between two houses under construction. The caller provided a description of the person and the vehicle used to leave the area. Responding deputies quickly located a 2010 Nissan Versa matching the description, which was found with duct tape obscuring its license plate.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement officials identified Arambula as the driver of the vehicle. A search of the car revealed construction tools, raising immediate suspicions of their origin. Furthermore, investigators connected the Nissan Versa to a previous burglary that took place at another construction site on August 7.
Subsequently, deputies executed a search warrant at Arambula’s residence shortly after 9 a.m. During the search, detectives discovered various stolen items believed to have been taken from construction sites. The ongoing investigation focuses on identifying the origins of these items and determining if any additional construction-related crimes may be linked to Arambula.
As a result of the investigation, Arambula has been booked into the Washington County Jail on three counts of second-degree burglary, one count of first-degree theft, and one count of first-degree criminal trespass.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is actively encouraging anyone with further information related to this incident or similar occurrences to reach out to them at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 50-25-10943. Local authorities emphasize the importance of community involvement in reporting suspicious activity, which can play a crucial role in preventing crime.
This arrest reflects an ongoing concern regarding thefts at construction sites throughout the area, as such locations have become increasingly targeted by burglars looking to exploit the valuable tools and materials stored at these worksites. The plight of construction businesses, facing losses due to theft, has prompted law enforcement to heighten their vigilance in monitoring for such unlawful activities.
Multiple incidents have been reported in the past where construction sites are left vulnerable to theft, especially during off-hours when sites are often unoccupied. The recent increase in construction in the region has made these locations more appealing to potential criminals. The swift response by the WCSO in this case demonstrates their commitment to addressing these challenges.
As the investigation continues, those in the community are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities promptly. Local law enforcement hopes that increased public awareness and cooperation will lead to further reductions in construction-related crimes within Washington County.
Meanwhile, Abel Arambula awaits his upcoming court proceedings as he faces serious charges that could result in significant penalties if convicted. The legal implications of this case serve as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining security at construction sites and the potential consequences for those who violate the law.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KPTV: Man Faces Burglary Charges After Theft at Construction Site
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- KOIN: Woman Convicted in Portland Burglary Ring
- Google Search: Portland burglary news
- KGW: Portland Police Drone Leads to Airbnb Burglary Arrests
- Google Scholar: Burglary Police Reporting
- Oregon Live: 4th Suspect Arrested in Portland Burglary Ring
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary

Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.