News release Newport PD. On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 1:30 a.m., Newport Police Officers received a report of that a 2002 Jeep Cherokee had just been stolen from a residence at 655 S.W. 9th Street. Sergeant Purdom located the vehicle in Agate Beach. A traffic stop was initiated on Highway 101 at milepost 138 (near Schooner’s Landing). Matthew Dylan Knight, age 18 of Canby, who was operating the Jeep, was detained. Brody James Bjork, age 22 of Gresham, and Jacob Allen Stanford Cutts, age 23 of Damascus, were in a second vehicle traveling with Knight. Subsequent investigation determined that in early October, Knight had engaged in a private party sale of the Jeep with a Newport resident. The transaction involved a trade of two additional vehicles. Knight reported to Newport Police Offers that he was not satisfied with the condition of the traded vehicles, and wanted the Jeep returned. Knight devised a plan with Bjork and Cutts to travel from the Portland Metro area to steal the Jeep. Knight was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Unlawful Entry to a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Theft 1st Degree. Both Bjork and Cutts were lodged on Criminal Conspiracy to commit those same crimes. Bail for each of the arrestees was at $115,000. The Newport Police Department was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police. NPD MEDIA RELEASE 11/16/2016 9:00 a.m. The Newport Police Tip line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.
