Oregon Deli Van Stolen with Employee Still Inside

Milwaukie, Oregon– Milwaukie Police responded to a theft incident early Friday morning after receiving a report that a work van was stolen from the 2600 Block of SE Mailwell Street. The van, belonging to the Elephant Delicatessen, was taken while it was running and being loaded by employees for the day.

According to witnesses, the van drove away with an employee still in the back. The employee was able to jump to safety shortly after, sustaining only minor injuries.

Officers conducted an area search for the vehicle but were unable to locate it initially. Employees informed police that the van was equipped with a GPS tracking device and stated they would monitor the vehicle’s location.

Later that day, the Elephant Delicatessen employees reported spotting the van in Portland and provided updates to law enforcement based on the GPS data. Ultimately, the van was located, and Beaverton Police assisted in apprehending the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Forrest Lee Guayante of Aberdeen, Washington.

Guayante was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, kidnapping, criminal mischief, theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card. The charges will be submitted to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the incident.