ELLENSBURG, Wash. – An inmate stole a King County Jail transport van this morning while it was parked near Bowers Field north of Ellensburg during a routine transfer of inmates between King County and other jails.
27-year-old Rebeca Tupuola of Wapato, an inmate who was in custody for theft-related charges, reportedly drove the van away during the transfer.
Another inmate, who is not believed to have been associated with Tupuola, was in the car when she drove away.
Transporting officers on the scene notified local law enforcement. Ellensburg Police Department, Central Washington University Police Department, Kittitas Police Department and the Washington State Patrol responded to help locate the van.
About half an hour after the van was stolen, the inmate who had been inside the van called 911 from a cell phone he found in the van and said that Tupuola had dropped him off in a field.
He stayed at his location and law enforcement found him near Naneum Road and Game Farm Road, east of Ellensburg. He cooperated with law enforcement when they came to pick him up.
He told law enforcement that Tupuola had entered a house and come out with cash and was now lying hidden in a tree line.
Deputies told the owners of the closest houses to lock their doors and stay inside.
As additional units arrived to secure the perimeter, Tupuola gave herself up to law enforcement and was taken into custody.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office will conduct criminal investigation into possible charges for escape, theft of a motor vehicle and burglary, according to their announcement on the event.
Tupuola’s transport to King County has been delayed and she is now booked at the Kittitas County Jail.
