Man attempts to hijack two vehicles in Oregon City
Portland man had recently been released from Clackamas County Jail
By Matthew Graham

The Oregon City News, Dec 31, 2007

A Portland man who had just been released from Clackamas County Jail attempted to steal two occupied cars on Sunday before being caught by an off-duty Sheriff's deputy.

The man, 24-year-old Andrey Karachenets, approached a woman in her car at the Regal Movie Theater, 1500 Molalla Avenue in Oregon City, and asked her for a ride, according to police. When she refused, the man forced his way into the car and tried to steal the vehicle.

The woman was able to get out of the vehicle with the keys and scream for help.

Karachenets then ran to the Danielson's Market Place in the same complex and asked a man for a ride, police said. He refused, and Karachenets tried to steal his vehicle.

The man struggled with Karachenets, who then bit the man's arm.

An off-duty Clackamas County Sheriff's deputy came out of the store and saw the struggle. He was able to overpower Karachenets and hold him until Oregon City police arrived.

Karachenets has been charged with two counts of third degree robbery, two counts of attempted unauthorized use of a vehicle and one count of fourth degree assault.

Karachenets is being held at Clackamas County Jail on $100,000 bail and Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified because Karachenets is not a U.S. citizen.

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