Murdock burglar suspected in car fire in TD on Friday, Feb. 28

Photo by Rodger Nichols / Gorge Country Media

The Dalles, Ore., March 1, 2025 — Rodger Nichols had an interesting trip to work on Friday, Feb. 28 when the veteran news reporter ran into police cleaning up a car fire on East 16th Street between Oregon and Quentin streets.

According to police, there was a store burglary in Murdock. The burglar then stole a car, drove it to The Dalles, set it on fire, and escaped, Nichols reported.

Murdoch Mini Mart at 8196 Washington Hwy. 14 near Murdock and Lyle.

Murdock Mini Mart owner Scott said his store was burgled on Thursday morning, Feb. 27 and the thief did $3000 worth of damage.

“It happened in the morning. My sister got here to open and the guy was still in the store and ran past her and jumped in a car and took off,” he said.

Klickitat County Deputies later told Scott the car had been stolen and they recovered it later in the day. Some of Scotts stolen items were returned to him.

Meanwhile, The Dalles Police responded to the car in the photo taken by Nichols on Friday, Feb. 28.

Scott said he was unsure if it was a second vehicle stolen by the same thief.

“It’s a pain in the ass,” he said of having to deal with damage and stolen items. “It’s happened three times in 25 years.”