Multiple law enforcement agents searching for car thief

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Benton County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man suspected of stealing several cars throughout the Tri-Cities over the past 24 hours.

According to Sgt. Drew Florence with the Richland Police Department, the man is suspected of being involved in the theft of a Subaru Legacy from the parking lot of Domino's in West Richland Wednesday night.

That vehicle was recovered several hours later, but the person driving the car is not who police believe stole the vehicle.

Kennewick Police Officer Cory McGee told Newsradio 610 KONA that Jason Vargas, 25, is also suspected of stealing a Jeep Cherokee from a Kennewick business early Thursday morning.

That car was found crashed in the area of Rupert Road and Demoss in West Richland later in the morning. Investigators believe Vargas then stole another car.

Deputies say Vargas is wanted for suspicion of eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle. Officer McGee say Vargas should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Kennewick Police, or the Richland Police Department at 509-628-0333.