Man arrested after allegedly robbing Hermiston business with stolen firearm

HERMISTON, Ore.-- Police in Hermiston have arrested a man on armed robbery charges.

According to the Hermiston Police Department, officers responded to a car prowling reports in the 200 block of E. Hurlburt Ave. November 20, 2020.

The victim reported that they had left their car unlocked and returned to find a handgun and other items missing from the vehicle. The victim was able to give investigators a description of a suspicious person they had seen in the area around the time that items were stolen.

On the morning of November 21st, Hermiston Police responded to a reported armed robbery in the 500 block of East Main Street.

The clerk at a convenience store reported that a man had walked into the business at around 9:00 a.m., pointed a gun at the clerk, and stole some cash and snacks.

The victim told investigators that the suspect placed the stolen items into a unique bag that he had with him, then ran away.

Surveillance video from the store helped officers identify the suspect as Tyler Wayne Jones, 34, a transient with 46 prior arrests and 45 prior citations.

Officers went to a shed in the 300 block of East Hurlburt Avenue where Jones was known to take shelter, and located him there, taking him into custody.

During the arrest and investigation, officers recovered the handgun that had been stolen from a vehicle the day before, which is also believed to be the firearm used in the robbery.

Other evidence was also recovered, linking Jones to the robbery and car prowl.

Jones was booked into the Umatilla County Jail for suspicion of First-Degree Robbery, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.