Off-duty deputy catches car prowler wearing stolen Sheriff's Office clothing

ORONDO — A 35-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly breaking into multiple vehicles, including a Chelan County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle, and stealing a firearm in Orondo.

Francisco J. Medina-Rangel, of Orondo, was apprehended after an off-duty Chelan County Sheriff's deputy discovered him wearing sheriff's office apparel at approximately 7:03 a.m. in the 23000 block of US Highway 97, according to Douglas County Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille.

During the detention, authorities found Medina-Rangel in possession of a firearm belonging to the deputy. Investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly entered several vehicles and buildings at the location. Officials said the patrol vehicle had been driven from the scene and was previously spotted in Chelan County in connection with an earlier incident reported to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.

Following a joint investigation with Chelan County Sheriff's Office deputies, Medina-Rangel was booked into the Chelan County Regional Jail on multiple charges including first-degree burglary, four counts of second-degree vehicle prowl, theft of a motor vehicle, and two counts of theft of a firearm.

Additional charges include third-degree theft, two counts of alien in possession of a firearm, and second-degree criminal trespass.

The investigation was conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.