Baker City Man Arrested After Foot Chase, Mail Theft Alleged

Daniel Francis Lameray, 45, was arrested about 6 30 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, in the 1500 block of East Street after a Baker City Police officer attempted to detain him on a trespassing complaint. The district attorney has charged Lameray with two Class C felonies, unauthorized use of a vehicle and mail theft, and with five misdemeanors including unlawful entry in a motor vehicle, third degree theft, and multiple counts of second degree criminal trespassing. He was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Baker County Circuit Court.

A probable cause affidavit by Baker City Detective Mason Powell says a resident reported a white man acting erratically and hiding in her backyard. The affidavit states an officer observed a man matching that description emerge from beneath a motorhome and sprint across the road. A foot pursuit followed and the officer subdued and arrested Lameray. Officers located large knives, a distinctive "revolver shaped" key ring that matched a stolen key ring, and a piece of mail addressed to a Main Street resident.

Six of the charges arise from actions alleged to have occurred that evening. A separate felony count alleges Lameray stole a vehicle on or about November 30, bringing the total to seven counts charged by the district attorney.

For Baker County residents the allegations touch on two common local concerns, property crime and personal safety. Mail theft undermines residents confidence in receiving important documents and can increase the risk of identity theft. Unauthorized use of vehicles and unlawful entry in motor vehicles raise the prospect of more aggressive property crime and can leave neighbors feeling less secure in their homes and on the street.

The arrest and ensuing charges demonstrate active local law enforcement response to reports of suspicious behavior. The case will proceed through the county court system, where prosecutors will pursue the charges and defense counsel may respond. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to local police and to take practical precautions, such as securing mail and locking vehicles, to reduce opportunities for theft and trespassing in the community.