Eight Arrested as a Horse-Rustling Ring Unravels Across Eastern Washington
Authorities believe an organized gang of at least 15 thieves is running stolen horses from Oregon to British Columbia.
Colfax — More proof of an organized gang of horse-rustlers which is thought to be operating from Oregon to British Columbia is being brought to light each day on the ranges of parts of Whitman, Franklin, Garfield and Adams counties. To date eight alleged horse thieves are under arrest out of a band thought to number at least 15.
“eight alleged horse thieves are under arrest out of a band thought to number at least 15.”
Horse theft was a serious rural crime wave before cars, and gangs could slip across county lines faster than local sheriffs could coordinate. The 1909 roundup—eight arrests and an estimated 15-member ring—sounds like a modern multi-county task force chasing organized property crime.
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