On March 16th, a resident in the Cinnamon Avenue area of unincorporated Eugene noticed a male get out of a parked vehicle with no license plates, don a mask, and begin stealing packages from porches. The thief stole from not only the calling resident’s porch, but from neighboring porches as well. As deputies responded to the area, the vehicle drove away. Deputies quickly located the vehicle in the parking lot of Fred Meyers on Division Avenue. The vehicle was empty, so they relayed the suspect description to loss prevention staff. They observed the suspect, who was shoplifting, inside the store. About this time, deputies learned the suspect vehicle was also likely stolen out of Eugene. As the suspect exited the store and walked to the pickup, he was met by deputies, K9 Bruno, and Eugene Police officers. Deputies located stolen mail and packages on the suspect and inside the vehicle, which was confirmed as stolen. The suspect was identified as Christopher Lagrua, 37, of Eugene. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Theft in the 2nd Degree, Theft in the 3rd Degree, and Theft of Mail. Deputies returned the stolen vehicle and re-delivered mail throughout the River Road area to a half-dozen rightful owners, many of whom would have had no idea their mail had been stolen. Thanks to the observant resident who called this theft in and provided a great description to our deputies!
