Baker City Police Recover Two of Three Stolen Guns, Identify Suspects

Two rifles stolen from vehicles in Baker City last week have been recovered and investigators have identified two suspects from La Grande, but a 9 mm Taurus pistol remains missing, police said.

The thefts occurred late on Jan. 19 or early on Jan. 20 at the trailer park at 1695 Auburn Ave. Lt. Wayne Chastain said detectives tracked the firearms to La Grande, obtained serial numbers from the original dealers for the handgun and an AR-15, and executed a search warrant at a La Grande property. Police found the two rifles in a vehicle late Monday afternoon. Charges are "forthcoming," Chastain said.

Baker City Police worked with the Northeast Oregon Regional SWAT team on the search. Detectives from Oregon State Police, the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the La Grande Police Department also assisted. The recovered weapons include the AR-15 rifle and a .30-06 rifle that family members say was a multi-generation heirloom. The missing handgun is a 9 mm Taurus pistol.

Detectives continue to try to recover the handgun and are following investigative leads, Lt. Chastain said on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27. He declined to name the two identified suspects because they had not been arrested as of that update.

The incident prompted Baker City Police to remind residents on Facebook to lock their vehicles. Lt. Chastain urged gun owners to keep firearm serial numbers recorded to help law enforcement trace stolen weapons. The loss of a .30-06 rifle described as a family heirloom underscores the personal impact beyond crime statistics; for affected households in Baker City, the theft represents both a security breach and the loss of generational property.

For Union County residents, the episode underlines routine vulnerabilities: unlocked vehicles, overnight parking at residential sites, and unsecured firearms can turn into community safety risks. The coordinated response by local and regional agencies demonstrates how interjurisdictional cooperation can speed recovery efforts and maintain public safety across municipal lines.

What comes next is a continuing investigation and the likelihood of formal charges once arrests are made. Residents should expect heightened patrols and follow-up communications from Baker City Police as detectives pursue the remaining leads. Practical steps for locals include locking vehicles, storing firearms securely, and recording serial numbers to aid recovery if theft occurs.