KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — A Klamath Falls man is behind bars after a multi-agency effort to end a burglary spree across Klamath and Jackson counties, according to the Klamath County Sheriff's Office (KCSO).
A coalition of law enforcement officers arrested 39-year-old William Grote on March 16 during a traffic stop along Highway 97 near the California Border.
Accoding to KCSO, Grote was the focus of a month-long investigation between agencies in Clackamas, Jackson and Klamath counties. Investigators believe that Grote burglarized a string of cabins and homes between Fish Lake and Rocky Point, broke into "numerous" vehicle at a Boy Scout camp along Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods, the theft of more than $50,000 worth of property from a property on Westside Road in Rocky Point, and multiple commercial burglaries in Jackson County.
"The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office served search warrants on a storage unit used by Grote and also on the vehicle he was operating when arrested," KCSO said. "Numerous stolen items totaling tens of thousands of dollars have been recovered including solar panels, a log splitter, a utility trailer, a pottery kiln, golf clubs, aviation equipment, tools, and much more."
Charges for Grote are still pending, as several investigations into the burglaries and thefts remain active.
"If you are a victim of theft during 2018-19 along Highway 140 between White City and Klamath Falls, to include the areas of Fish Lake, Lake of the Woods, and Rocky Point, please contact your local law enforcement agency."
