NEWS RELEASE
CLACKAMAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
2223 SOUTH KAEN ROAD - OREGON CITY, OR 97045
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Oregon City, Oregon)

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office announces the investigation continues involving the theft of a U-Haul; which was carrying all the family possessions belonging to Rachel Bennett and her three children. This family had just arrived from Oklahoma and was waiting for an available apartment when this theft occurred.

On Wednesday morning, Rachel Bennett and her three children discovered that during the night someone had stolen their U-Haul Truck which had been securely parked earlier in the motel parking lot on SE Sunnyside Road, in Clackamas.

This stolen U-Haul Truck was recovered approximately 14 hours later; located empty and abandoned, at the intersection of Hwy 224 and SE Tong Road, in the Damascus area. Rachel Bennett and her three children were left with only the clothing on their backs.

News of this horrific act has generated an outpouring of inquiries from concerned citizens who have heard of this incident and this family in distress. The Sheriff's Office has received numerous telephone calls from altruistic citizens -- through out the metropolitan areas -- who wish to assist and contribute to this family in need.

In an effort to assist this family: Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts has personally directed that a Sheriff's transport truck be parked in front of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, located at 12700 SE 82nd Avenue, in Clackamas.

This Sheriff's truck is a designated drop site for those who would like to donate house hold items to this family in need.

This Sheriff's truck location will be accepting donations on Saturday and Sunday, between noon and five each day.

On Saturday at noon, the victim Rachel Bennett anticipates being at this location to greet the benevolent public between noon and 5 p.m.

In addition, the U-Haul Corporation will be generously accepting donations from the community on behalf of the Rachel Bennett family over the next several days at 12 Corporate U-Haul locations in the Portland metropolitan area. This generous participation of accepting donations for this family is very much appreciated by the Bennett family. These U-Haul drop sites are identified as:

ADDITIONAL U-HAUL DONATION LOCATIONS:

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is offering a $1,000 reward for information pertaining to the theft of this U-Haul and the stolen contents belonging to the Rachel Bennett family. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Tip line is 503-723-4949.

This news release and related information will also be featured on the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office web site. [END]

http://www.co.clackamas.or.us/sheriff

Contact Info:
Jim Strovink, Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
503-237-2643