Update: Deputy's investigation leads to the recovery of stolen side-by-side and trailer

On May 1, 2024, at 7:48 a.m., Deputy H. Francis was on routine patrol on West Beaver Hill Lane near Seven Devils Road when she located a vehicle matching the description of one involved in the theft of a side-by-side and trailer from the city of Coos Bay on April 29, 2024.

Deputy Francis’ diligent investigation led to the apprehension of Timothy S. Burkeen (52), the sole occupant of the pickup. Timothy confessed to having the side-by-side in his possession and leaving it near Hemlock Lane for another individual to collect.

Deputy Francis arrested Timothy S. Burkeen (52) on the charges of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Theft by Receiving. Deputy Starr responded to the last known location of the side-by-side and trailer near Hemlock Lane and located the stolen trailer in the brush; however, the side-by-side was still outstanding. Mast Brothers Towing recovered the trailer.

Further investigation by Deputy Francis led her to a residence on Hubbard Creek Lane in Curry County, where Joseph E. Gish IV (36) was contacted. Mr. Gish showed Deputies where the stolen side-by-side had been partly disassembled and put in a dump trailer. Mr. Gish claimed not to know the side-by-side was stolen.

Deputy Francis had Mast Brothers Towing respond and recover the side-by-side and parts that had been removed. Joseph E. Gish IV (36) is being referred to the Coos County District Attorney’s Office on charges of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Theft by Receiving.

Previous Coverage on April 30:

The Coos Bay Police Department is asking for public assistance to locate a side-by-side that was stolen from a car dealership in Coos Bay.

On April 29, 2024, the CBPD received a report from Coos Bay Toyota, 2001 N Bayshore Drive, that a gray 2023 Polaris RZR side-by-side had been stolen from their lot earlier that morning. The theft, which had been caught on video, showed a pickup towing the side-by-side away from the lot just before 07:00 a.m. The pickup continued southbound on Highway 101, passing through downtown Coos Bay.

Anyone with information regarding the theft of the side-by-side is asked to call the CBPD at 541-269-8911 or Coos Stop Crime at 541-266-6666. Tips can be made anonymously.