Oregon City, Ore. — A 45-year-old man has been convicted after prosecutors said he attempted to steal nearly $2,700 worth of tires from a Les Schwab store in Oregon City earlier this year.
Conviction and Charges
On Wednesday, the Clackamas County Circuit Court found Steven Allen Beaman guilty of second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. The conviction followed months of investigation into the March 26 incident, when Oregon City Police responded to a burglary alarm at the Les Schwab Tire Center, located at 1625 Beavercreek Road, around 6 a.m.
The Incident
When officers arrived at the scene, they reportedly saw a tire rolling out of the store’s open door and a person fleeing toward a nearby wooded area. In the parking lot, police discovered a Ram pickup truck registered to Beaman, loaded with eight new tires valued at $2,667.92.
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The Accomplice
Police also encountered a 29-year-old woman, Ashley Marie Anderson, near the truck. Officers found Anderson’s purse inside the vehicle. When questioned, Anderson initially claimed that a man named “Brandon” had been giving her a ride home. However, during further questioning, she admitted that Beaman had driven the truck from Portland to Oregon City, entered the Les Schwab building, and loaded the truck bed with tires.
Attempts to Conceal Evidence
Not long after the police arrived at the scene, Beaman contacted authorities to report his truck as “stolen.” However, investigators uncovered evidence contradicting his claim. After Beaman allowed police to search his cellphone, officers found a recent internet search for “Les Schwab”.
Authorities then obtained a warrant to access Beaman’s location data, which placed him at the Les Schwab store during the time of the burglary.
Criminal History
According to prosecutors, Beaman has a lengthy criminal record spanning over 25 years, including prior convictions for burglary, theft, drug possession, and third-degree rape. His latest offenses add to a long list of repeat crimes, painting a pattern of ongoing criminal behavior.
Sentencing and Additional Charges
Beaman’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 13. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek a prison sentence in line with his prior convictions and the seriousness of the theft.
Meanwhile, Ashley Anderson faces burglary and theft charges related to the same case. Authorities have issued a warrant for her arrest, as she did not appear for her court proceedings.
Conclusion
The Oregon City tire theft case underscores how quick police response and digital evidence—such as phone data and search histories—can play a key role in solving property crimes. While Beaman awaits sentencing, law enforcement continues to pursue Anderson’s arrest to bring full accountability in the attempted theft that started with a simple store alarm and ended with a major conviction.
