Suspect sought in theft of Lincoln County bus at fuel station

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Newport police are searching for the person responsible for stealing a Lincoln County bus while it was parked at a fuel station Monday afternoon.

The bus driver told police they had parked at the fuel pump and gone inside to use the restroom just before noon. When they returned, the bus was gone.

Investigators describe the suspect as a man with a red beard and tattoos on his hands who was wearing a “Rip City” hoodie with the hood up, a hat and sunglasses.

“Security footage from inside the bus showed the suspect getting into the driver seat and driving the bus away from the fueling center,” officials said.

However, tracking revealed the man had stopped the bus near 300 SE Second Street to flee on foot. When police arrived, the bus was not damaged but a cell phone was found inside.

Anyone with information about the suspect is encouraged to contact Newport police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.