Mug shot of Colton Harris-Moore
Bea vonTobel, Orcas Island Port Manger, wrote to Port neighbors today:
In case you’ve been under a rock all day, here’s the latest news, which will be : a Cirrus SR22 was stolen last night from a locked hangar in Anacortes, flown to ORS, and landed badly on RW16, exiting the runway at TWA3 and bogging down just opposite the Parnell hangar.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lance Evans alerted Chamber members, saying, “It appears Colton Harris-Moore (the so-called Barefoot Bandit) is back on Orcas Island.
“An airplane taken from Skagit County was found abandoned at the Eastsound Airport this morning, and Homegrown Market & Deli was broken into, with lots of damage to internal security systems.
“The San Juan County Sheriff’s office is investigating both events, and cannot confirm who is responsible at this time. The Chamber spoke with Sgt. Steve Vierthaler this morning, and he urges everyone to take the following precautions:
- Keep the lights on in your business overnight
- Activate any security systems you have
- Lock all doors & windows (with window safety bars, if appropriate)
- Remain vigilant and keep an eye out for anything unusual
“If you spot something you feel warrants police attention, please call the Sheriff’s office at 360-378-4151. The Chamber will share additional information as warranted.”
The WA state patrol mobile crime lab will be on island tomorrow to ‘process’ the crashed aircraft, which is now secured in a hangar.
