Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Couple arrested in stolen vehicle incident; deputies draw guns, have canine on scene

A man and woman traveling in a stolen 2001 Isuzu Rodeo were taken into custody Monday, September 28, at approximately 2 p.m. near the intersection of South Mission Road and Clemmens Lane.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron McCracken said deputies arrested Melissa Beck, 37, and Patrick Harter, 26, both of Fallbrook, on charges of possession of stolen property in what he described as a “high-risk vehicle stop.”

Citizens in the area saw the law enforcement officers with guns drawn and a canine standing by during the incident.

“A stolen vehicle is a felony and we never know if the people inside are in possession of guns or capable of other violent acts,” said McCracken.

The Isuzu was stolen from its owner, Kyle Beck, 26, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, on August 25 from a parking lot at the Vista Courthouse.

“Essentially, it appears that Melissa, Kyle Beck’s ex-wife, stole his vehicle,” explained McCracken. “Monday afternoon, Kyle Beck saw his ex-wife driving the vehicle off [Camp Pendleton] with her current boyfriend [Harter] as a passenger and called us.”

Officers responded to the call, requested a canine unit and proceeded to stop the vehicle on South Mission Road.

“They were both taken into custody without incident,” said McCracken. “Melissa Beck has been charged with possession of stolen property. Patrick Harter was arrested for possession of stolen property and parole violation.”

McCracken said Harter’s priors include possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence with bodily injury, two counts of burglary and four counts of carrying a concealed knife.

Harter is reportedly employed by a McDonald’s restaurant on Camp Pendleton. It was stated at the time of her arrest that Melissa Beck was unemployed.

Of the expertise in which deputies Adrian Moses, Alan Walbridge and James McConnaughey and canine Ike handled the situation, McCracken said, “They did a very professional job; no one was hurt. It was well done.”

 

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