La Grande Pair Arrested in Connection with Baker City Gun Thefts
Two La Grande residents were arrested after police linked them to a stolen handgun; they are also suspects in Baker City vehicle break-ins that took rifles and another handgun.
La Grande police arrested 24-year-old Sydney Hope Kunzler and 34-year-old Kristopher Alan Stone after investigators tied the pair to the theft of a handgun from a vehicle in La Grande, and to a string of vehicle break-ins in Baker City earlier in January.
Police received the La Grande report on January 25. “a theft report was initially received on January 25 from a resident in the 500 block of B Avenue. The victim reported a handgun had been stolen from their vehicle sometime during the previous night.” Investigators say the theft was linked to two separate incidents in Baker City earlier in January in which three vehicles were broken into and two rifles and one handgun were taken.
On January 28 the La Grande Police Department learned that the stolen handgun had been recovered in La Grande during an operation by the Baker City Police Department. “On January 28, the LGPD officer investigating the report learned that the stolen handgun had been recovered by the Baker City Police Department in La Grande during the execution of a search warrant.” Through follow-up interviews and investigation, detectives concluded the two La Grande residents acted together in the La Grande theft. “Through investigation and subsequent interviews, it was determined that Kunzler and Stone had acted together in stealing the gun.”
Arrests were made at the Sundowner Trailer Park, 1806 26th Street in La Grande. “At around 7:45 a.m. on January 28, the pair were arrested, with Stone being charged with Theft 1 and Kunzler being charged with Theft 1 and Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. Both were reportedly cooperative during the investigation and were lodged in the Union County jail.” Kristopher Alan Stone faces a charge of theft in the first degree; Sydney Hope Kunzler faces theft in the first degree and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle. Both suspects were taken to the Union County jail and remain in custody pending further legal action.
The La Grande Police Department credited interagency work on the case. “The LGPD note that the case was investigated collaboratively with the Baker City Police Department and that their partnership is appreciated.” That cooperation produced the recovery of at least one firearm and arrests that link local incidents across municipal boundaries.
For Baker County residents, the arrests underscore persistent risks from vehicle break-ins and unsecured firearms. Investigators have indicated the two La Grande suspects are also suspects in the Baker City thefts, but formal charges related to those Baker City incidents have not been detailed publicly. Prosecutors and police records will determine whether additional charges follow as police complete probable cause documentation and court filings.
The investigation remains active; court records, the probable cause affidavit and the search-warrant inventory will provide next clarity on evidence and any further charges. Residents should monitor official releases from the La Grande Police Department and Baker City Police Department for updates on court dates and case developments.
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
