‘I’m excited. I’m very happy about it!’ Motocross Racer Says After Detectives Recover Stolen Yamaha
Two years later: Stolen dirt bike found
After being sold several times on the Facebook market, the Yamaha motorcycle was found and returned to its original owner.
TACOMA, Wash. – It’s taken more than two years, but a motocross racer who was devastated after his two dirt bikes were stolen in Tacoma received some good news this week.
The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force recently recovered Henry Orkney’s stolen Yamaha YZ 250-F.
Detectives say it had been sold several times on the Facebook market. The most recent owner who returned the motorcycle after receiving a call from detectives lost the $4,000 he paid.
The Yamaha and a $9,000 Huskavarna 350 were stolen in March 2019 along with gear and the Orkney pickup truck outside a house on S. 50th. The van was later recovered.
Stolen Huskavarna 350 with JMC Motorsports graphics still missing
Surveillance video showed the suspect unloading thousands of dollars worth of equipment from the Orkney van in the middle of the night. Detectives are still working to identify him.
Detectives seek to identify suspect who stole pickup truck and motorcycles in Tacoma
Orkney now lives in San Diego, so his father picked up his motorcycle from Auburn Valley Towing on Monday. The staff cleaned and stored it for free until Mel Orkney could pick it up.
“We’re thrilled. It’s been a long time. You’re forgetting something that’s been missing for two years and the detectives haven’t let it go. They’ve been working hard and long and in new ways to do it,” he said . .
Mel plans to put new tires on it and send it to his son. Henry says the thief took away his chance to qualify for an amateur national competition. The following year he broke his back racing a replacement bike, then broke his ankle. Recovering his stolen Yamaha means a lot to him emotionally.
“I’m excited. I’m very happy with it. I can’t wait to race it. I’m so grateful to you and the Puget Sound Auto Workgroup and blessed to have it back.”
He would also like to find his other motorcycle and equipment.
Detectives recommend that victims check the buy/sell apps weekly as well as the Facebook marketplace whenever a vehicle is stolen. If you see your car, truck or motorcycle stolen, report it to the police immediately.
If you can identify the suspect who stole the Orkney van and motorcycles, please submit an anonymous report to Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers. You can text the information through the P3 Tips app on your cell phone or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
He is anonymous and there is a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
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