US Edition
Inmate Accused of Stealing Jail Transport Van Near Ellensburg with Someone Inside
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON, JUL 1 – Rebecca Tupuola, 27, faces escape, theft, and burglary charges after stealing a transport van with a fellow inmate inside during a routine transfer, authorities said.
- On July 1, 2025, Rebecca Tupuola, a 27-year-old inmate from Wapato, took control of a King County prisoner transport vehicle while it was parked close to Bowers Field, located just to the north of Ellensburg, and drove off with another inmate still inside.
- The theft occurred just before 10 a.m. during a routine inmate transfer, and Tupuola was already in custody on theft-related charges from King County at the time.
- After Tupuola drove off, the male inmate in the back used a cell phone left in the van to call 911 and reported Tupuola dropped him off in a field and went into a nearby house, returning with cash before hiding in the treeline.
- Law enforcement located the phone close to the intersection of Naneum and Game Farm near the eastern area of Ellensburg, took Tupuola into custody after she gave herself up, and warned local residents to remain indoors and secure their homes while the search was underway.
- The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Tupuola for possible charges including escape, motor vehicle theft, and burglary, and her transfer to King County has been postponed pending the outcome of these investigations.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 44%
C 56%
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