HERMISTON -- Two people were arrested Thursday night after being caught trespassing and rummaging through a Hermiston Christian charity's containers, police said.
Hermiston transient Stacey E. Kirby, 27, and Orin A. Whitbeck, 49, of Irrigon, were found behind the Agape House, 500 W. Harper Road, going through containers about 10 p.m. Thursday, police said.
Kirby was arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of methamphetamine and criminal trespass in the second degree.
Whitbeck was arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, criminal trespass in the second degree, and was booked at the Umatilla County jail on a Benton County arrest warrant.
"Having launched our trespass enforcement program a mere eight days ago, this is a great example highlighting the lawful authority of our officers to take people into custody for being on commercial property after normal business hours," Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston said in a press release.
"The Agape House is one of only five businesses (so far) to partner with us on this program. I am optimistic we will experience many more businesses within our jurisdiction that would like to join this worthy endeavor," he said.
Agape House is a Christian outreach agency whose mission is to provide basic services to those in need.
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