A routine weeknight near the Costco on Northeast 48th Avenue turned into a scene out of a cop show on Wednesday when Hillsboro police say a 44-year-old man tried to run, only to be tracked down by a K-9 while hiding in a tree. Officers report the driver bolted on foot after spike strips were deployed, briefly prompting a shelter-in-place advisory for nearby neighbors before de-escalation tactics brought the man into custody without injuries.
In a Facebook post, the Hillsboro Police Department said dispatch first got a call about a suspicious vehicle at the Costco and that officers had probable cause to arrest the driver for stalking and menacing. While officers worked to contain the parking lot, they deployed spike strips, and the driver reportedly fled on foot near Northeast Butler Street and Northeast 65th Avenue. Residents were asked to shelter in place and to contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 with any information, according to the Hillsboro Police Department.
How officers tracked the suspect
The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Beaverton Police joined Hillsboro officers for what turned into a multi-K-9 track backed up by a drone. A police dog ultimately found the suspect hiding in a tree, according to KPTV. Police say the man initially refused to come down and challenged officers to shoot him before they used de-escalation tactics to safely take him into custody. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Charges and booking
Hillsboro police identified the suspect as 44-year-old Ryan Gitts and said he was booked into the Washington County Jail on charges that include stalking, menacing, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, attempt to elude a police officer, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the Hillsboro Police Department. The department did not release additional information about alleged victims in its post.
Neighborhood impact and next steps
Neighbors were briefly told to shelter in place while officers cleared the area, and police urged anyone with helpful details to contact dispatch, according to reporting by KPTV. Gitts remains booked in the Washington County Jail while investigators and prosecutors continue to review the case.
