Washougal police arrest suspect in multiple auto theft cases

Washougal police this past week arrested a man suspected to be involved in the theft of multiple cars in Clark County and Portland.

Daniel J. Ditlow, 30, a transient from the Washougal area, was arrested on April 12 on suspicion of third-degree driving with a suspended license, a Washougal police news release said. While in custody, Ditlow was linked to several other auto theft cases, including incidents in Washougal, Camas, Portland and Vancouver.

Washougal Sgt. Brad Chicks spotted Ditlow driving a green 1993 Honda near A Street and Washougal River Road on April 12. Chicks thought the car was suspicious and Ditlow matched the description of a suspect from incidents earlier in the day. He was also wanted by Camas police on suspicion of auto theft, the release said.

Chicks arrested Ditlow outside an apartment building on the 300 block of Love Street in Washougal.

While Ditlow was in custody, the registered owner of the green Honda he was driving reported it stolen.

According to the release, Chicks found that Ditlow was involved with several other auto theft cases in the area. He allegedly used shaved keys to open and start older model Honda and Acuras and would dump them shortly after.

The investigation is ongoing.