Lake Oswego Police Arrest Suspect in Multi-County Mail Theft Investigation

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Lake Oswego Communications received a report of a suspicious individual believed to be stealing mail from the United States Postal Service mailbox located at 501 4th Street in Lake Oswego.

Lake Oswego Police officers responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle. As an officer attempted to follow the vehicle, the driver eluded police.

Through subsequent investigation it was determined the vehicle was a rental car associated with a property in unincorporated Oregon City.

On June 12, 2026, the Lake Oswego Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Linn Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at the Oregon City residence.

During the search, investigators recovered hundreds of stolen bank checks, large quantities of stolen mail, and thousands of dollars in cash linking the suspect to multiple mail theft incidents throughout Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties over the past several months. Detectives also contacted and arrested the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Coa.

Mr. Coa was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on the following charges:

• ORS 162.295 – Tampering with Physical Evidence
• ORS 165.803 – Aggravated Identity Theft
• ORS 164.162 – Mail Theft
• ORS 811.540 – Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
• ORS 133.747 – Fugitive from Another State

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Mail Theft

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of mail theft:

• When mailing checks, gift cards, or documents containing personal information, use secure mail collection boxes located inside a post office whenever possible.
• Avoid depositing mail in collection boxes that appear full or overflowing.
• Monitor your bank and financial accounts regularly to verify that mailed checks have been received and deposited as intended.
• Consider utilizing online bill payment options when available.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of mail theft should contact their local law enforcement agency's non-emergency line. If you observe suspicious activity involving mailboxes or mail collection boxes, call 911 immediately.

This case (Case #26-3145) is still under investigation anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Lake Oswego Police Detectives tip line at (503) 635-0232. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through our website at https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/police/webforms/submit-tip.

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