Detectives Investigate Major Theft at Local Museum

On Sunday, December 24, 2023, at 2:21 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a break-in alarm at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals at 26385 NW Groveland Drive in unincorporated Washington County.

Responding deputies found a broken window leading into the building and footprints heading south from the museum. Deputies immediately set up containment in the area and attempted a K9 track, but the individual managed to escape. 

Deputies searched the museum with the help of museum staff, where they discovered a significant theft from a large display case containing numerous gold items. The total value of the missing items is not being reported at this time.

Deputies reviewed the museum’s security footage, and the suspect appears to be an average-built adult white male wearing jeans and a jacket.

The case is now being investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit detectives. If you, or someone you know, have any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (503) 846-2700.

Link to surveillance videos and photographs from the museum. (Note the clock on the security footage is 16 minutes ahead.)