Arrest warrant issued for Vancouver man in car theft, hit-run of man in Minnehaha

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Vancouver man accused of stealing a car and striking the owner with it Tuesday in the Minnehaha area.

The Auburn Police Department contacted the Clark County Sheriff’s Office on Friday about recovering a stolen red 2010 Toyota Camry. Auburn police officers took a man into custody on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

The suspect, identified as Ttong John, was booked into the King County Jail.

Clark County detectives interviewed John and developed probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of first-degree robbery and hit-and-run resulting in injury, in connection with the Tuesday incident. An arrest warrant was issued, and John will be extradited to Clark County, the news release states.

“The Clark County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the Auburn Police Department for their assistance with the investigation and are appreciative of our statewide law enforcement partnerships,” the agency said.

Deputies and fire and medical personnel responded at 7:48 a.m. Tuesday to the area of Northeast 40th Avenue and 47th Street for a car-versus-pedestrian hit-and-run, according to a previous news release.

Investigators learned that an unknown person stole the Toyota Camry from a nearby residence and struck the registered owner, Joseph Lutz, the sheriff’s office said.

Lutz suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. He remained in critical condition Wednesday, according to an update from the sheriff’s office.

Lutz’s family has created a GoFundMe to help with his medical costs. According to the fundraising page, he was run over while attempting to stop the car theft. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent emergency surgery. He remains in the intensive care unit.

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/4bfb5f89.