Help sought in tracking down car thieves

The Elmore County Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's help for leads in a case involving a high-speed chase that led to a vehicle theft in King Hill on Feb. 4.

The sheriff's department continues to seek the arrest of Vernon R. Johnson Jr. and Myranda R. York, both from Walla Walla, Wash.

Johnson is an escapee from the Walla Walla area and is considered armed and dangerous. The public is warned to not approach Johnson and should instead contact law enforcement.

Vernon R. Johnson Jr. and Myranda R. York are suspected to stealing a truck from a family in King Hill the morning of Feb. 4. The truck was later discovered at a service station in Nampa.

Johnson is also being sought by Milton-Freewater Police for a separate high-speed pursuit in addition to multiple vehicle thefts in the department's jurisdiction. It's believed that Johnson shaved his head and beard to disguise his appearance from law enforcement.

Law enforcement officials believe that Johnson and York are traveling to Colorado or back to Oregon.

On Thursday, police in Nampa discovered the truck reported stolen from the home of Tami and Marv Shenk of King Hill the morning of Feb. 4. Authorities believe Johnson and York stole the truck after they wrecked a 1997 Honda Civic during the high-speed pursuit that started on the interstate and continued through Glenns Ferry and onto Old Highway 30 at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour.

Authorities suspect that the couple stole the Civic from a dealership in northeastern Oregon on Feb. 2.

To report information regarding the whereabouts of Johnson or York, contact Elmore County Detective Nancy Jo Hawley at 587-2100 or 590-0649.