PPD arrests alleged thief

By on Thursday, October 6th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Pendleton police have closed the books on a theft case that occurred in
early July. Joshua Ralph Norton, 35, of Pendleton has taken into custody Wednesday
afternoon and is facing charges of first-degree theft, being a felon in possession of a
weapon, and conspiracy.

Police Chief Chuck Byram said that on July 6, a man staying at Motel 6 for the night
awoke to find his vehicle had been broken into and property, including firearms, had
been stolen. The next day, police arrested Taera L. Harris, 25, and charged her with
first-degree theft and conspiracy to commit first-degree theft.

Norton also had a felony post-prison supervision sanction and a failure to appear bench
warrant pending against him when he was taken into custody.

Byram said the case is being forwarded to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office
for prosecution.