Moped-riding vehicle prowler sought by police

Vancouver Police are asking the public’s help in locating a man suspected of eluding authorities after fleeing an alleged auto prowl on a moped.

The man, who police believe to be Mathew Michaelson, abandoned an alleged break-in attempt on a vehicle in the 1500 block of 138th Avenue about 7:45 a.m. Saturday. Police say he took off on a moped and was located soon after driving a stolen truck.

Behind the wheel of the truck, Michaelson swerved “as if to run over one officer,” according to a press release, then around a police car and eluded officers driving at what was described as “a high rate of speed.”

Police said he abandoned the truck and they later located it.

He’s wanted on an outstanding felony warrant from 2008 and suspicion of first-degree attempted auto theft, third-degree assault, possession of a stolen vehicle and reckless driving, among other allegations.

“Several other incidents of a suspect matching Michaelson’s description attempting to steal cars and then fleeing on a moped have been reported,” according to a press release issued by Kim Kapp, a police spokeswoman.

The press release went on to describe one incident in which they say a suspect matching Michaelson’s description crashed into the driveway of a residence. A moped was located in the back of a stolen SUV when police arrived to find the suspect was already gone.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police department’s tip line at 487-7399.