An Elma Police officer on patrol spotted a vehicle that matched a description of a stolen vehicle out of Aberdeen that ended up in the arrest of a former Grays Harbor resident for possession of a stolen vehicle and 5,000 suspected fentanyl pills

According to a social media only post, the Elma Police Department said that On 12-28-23, a 47-year-old Tumwater man was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. The arrest led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 5,000 suspected fentanyl pills.

An Elma officer was on patrol and was checking a local business’ parking lot. The officer located a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle that was previously stolen from Aberdeen, WA. The officer checked the license plate of the vehicle while driving around the business, and it returned as stolen out of Aberdeen.

As the officer came around the other side of the business, the vehicle was leaving and turned onto Hwy 12. The Elma Officer got behind the vehicle to perform a felony stop, and deputies from the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office and officers from the McCleary Police Department responded to assist.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody for possession of a stolen vehicle, which was confirmed through the Aberdeen Police Department. The Aberdeen Police Department also advised that the registered owner had consented to a search of the vehicle when located. During this search, the suspected fentanyl pills were located.

Matthew Klinger (according to the Grays Harbor County Jail register was booked into Grays Harbor County Jail for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Deliver.