Florence Man Arrested After Stealing A Car In Newport
On February 3rd,2019 the Newport Police Department responded to the 1100 Block of SW 11th Street on a report of a subject trespassing on properties and attempting to enter residences. Officers arrived and searched the area. While in the area, an officer was flagged down by a victim, who reported the subject, later identified as Steven Philip Lent, 30, of Florence, OR, had entered the victim’s residence without consent. The victim confronted Lent, who then fled from the victim’s residence.
Newport officers continued to search the area for Lent. While searching a witness called and reported they watched a male subject looking into vehicles and attempting to gain entry into vehicles near the US Coast Guard Station. The witness reported the subject gained entry into a vehicle and was driving away from the area in the vehicle. Officers located the vehicle driving northbound on Hwy 101 away from the scene.
Newport officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle near SW 5th Street and SW Alder Street, and took the driver, identified as Steven Lent, into custody. Lent admitted to using methamphetamine and believed the vehicle belonged to a relative. Officers were able to located the vehicle’s owner, who was at work during the incident and was unaware their vehicle was stolen.
Steven Philip Lent was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges;
Burglary 1st
Criminal Mischief 3rd
Criminal Trespass 1st
Criminal Trespass 2nd
Unauthorized Entry Motor Vehicle
Unauthorized Use Motor Vehicle
Possession of Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine
Information and photo provided by NPD