Vancouver police looking for owner of stolen bike

Vancouver police are looking for the owner of a bicycle that was stolen Wednesday by a suspect fleeing from a hit-and-run vehicle crash.

Police responded to a report of a driver who had struck a vehicle on state Highway 14 before exiting onto Southeast 164th Avenue, where he crashed into a retaining wall and fled on foot, according to police.

The suspect, later identified as James L. Earls, 40, of Vancouver, was then seen riding a bicycle in the area of Southeast McGillivray Boulevard near Southeast Village Loop, according to Vancouver police.

Earls then allegedly abandoned the bicycle and fled on foot, but was arrested a short time later.

He was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run, theft and obstructing law enforcement.

The bike used in the getaway, however, has not been returned to its owner.

Police are asking for help in locating the owner of the white Novara Bonita 26-inch, 27-speed, 6000 series mountain bike with front Suntour shocks.

Two bicycle helmets were recovered with the bike: a silver Schwinn helmet and a black Giro helmet, police said.

Anyone with information about the owner of the bicycle is asked to contact Officer Don Magarian at Don.Magarian@cityofvancouver.us.