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HVPD Case #24-956474
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, investigators with the Happy Valley Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment in Happy Valley. During the operation, they recovered a stolen bicycle and various parts belonging to a Marine Corps veteran from Vancouver, WA.
Javier Romo originally reported his bicycle stolen to the Vancouver Police Department in May of 2024. The bicycle was hand built by Mr. Romo and valued at $5,000. Happy Valley Police investigators received information from Vancouver Police that the stolen bicycle may be in Happy Valley, OR. Upon further investigation, Happy Valley investigators were able to secure a warrant to search an apartment where they believed the bicycle was located.
During the execution of the warrant, the bicycle frame, and other components, were taken into police custody. Unfortunately, many of the components had been removed from the stolen bicycle and put on other bicycle frames.
Investigators interviewed Thomas Jospeh Mendoza, a resident of the apartment. A charge of theft in the first degree has been sent to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.
Before returning the bicycle to Mr. Romo, a Sheriff’s Office Community Service Officer, who has experience working on bicycles, identified and recovered several of Mr. Romo’s bicycle parts that had been installed on a different bike. The officer then reassembled the parts onto Mr. Romo’s bicycle. On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the bicycle was returned to Mr. Romo, bringing a months-long investigation to a successful conclusion.
Three Clackamas County cities -- Happy Valley, Estacada and Wilsonville -- contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide municipal police services.
HVPD Case #24-956474
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Sgt. Ross Clemson, Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Communications Unit