Two Stolen Vehicles - Two Suspects Caught - Morgan County Sheriff's Office Has a Busy Morning

Morgan County Sheriff’s Office -

On Tuesday, April 15, shortly after midnight, the Sheriff’s Office received information that Logan County was pursuing a stolen gray 2006 Dodge Charger. Logan County terminated the chase at the Morgan-Washington County line, so Morgan County deputies were dispatched, as the vehicle was traveling westbound on I-76 at mile marker 95. Deputies lost sight of the car, on I-76 between MM 90 & 85. An officer with the Brush Police Department assisted and checked the city of Brush, without finding the vehicle. At 7:30 a.m., a call came in from 20766 Road 23 reporting that a 2000 gold Toyota Tacoma pickup had just been stolen, with a full tank of gas.

The victim stated they had video footage of the suspect stealing the vehicle, describing him as a male wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans, and was last seen leaving the property northbound. Deputy Kevin Bruntz and Deputy Kevin Sturch responded to the area, met with the victims, and began searching for the stolen pickup. Sheriff Dave Martin, Undersheriff Jon Horton, and Investigator Chris Griggs responded to assist the deputies who were on the scene.

Then at 8:18 a.m., a call came in from 21087 Road 24, advising that the same gray Dodge Charger was abandoned on their property with Nebraska license plates. Deputies responded as witnesses said they had seen a female outside the house in a black hoodie, wrapped in a blanket, and she was near a cinder block shop. Deputies began checking all the buildings when one of the property owners said he had discovered a female hiding in a calf hut.

Undersheriff Horton responded to the location and took the female into custody wearing the clothing described. Deputies Kevin Bruntz and Kevin Sturch arrived and placed the female in the back seat of the patrol car. She was identified as 33-year-old Tamara Morris. At 9:00 a.m., a call came in that the stolen gold Toyota pickup was in a ditch at the 34000 block of Road W.7.

The male who walked away from the Toyota was on foot and was reported heading south in the 36000 block on Road W.7. Sheriff Martin and Undersheriff Horton responded, where they located and apprehended the male, who was identified as 56-year-old Frank Ortega.

Tamara Morris has an extensive criminal history and had a warrant out of Adams County for vehicular eluding, and she will also be charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and burglary. Frank Ortega also has an extensive criminal history and had a warrant out of Jefferson County for a felony drug case, and will face charges of trespassing, possession of a stolen vehicle, and motor vehicle theft in Morgan County.