Oregon Arrest: Woman Accused of Stealing Car, Entering Home

Union County, OR – An Oregon woman remains jailed after authorities say she allegedly stole a vehicle in Union and later entered a Summerville home, where a deputy found her inside during a reported burglary in progress.

According to the Union County Sheriff's Office, Michelle Plueard, 46, was arrested Friday on charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, first-degree burglary and third-degree theft.

The investigation began after a vehicle owner in Union reported her car stolen. The owner told authorities the vehicle was at her home around 3 p.m. when she went inside to prepare for work. When she returned outside, the vehicle was gone.

Deputies began searching for the vehicle after taking the report.

Shortly after 8 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress in Summerville. Authorities said a vehicle parked outside the residence matched the description of the car reported stolen earlier that day.

Family members outside the Summerville home told the deputy a woman was inside and allegedly rummaging through a closet in an upstairs bedroom.

The sheriff's office said the deputy entered the residence and detained Plueard without resistance. Plueard allegedly told the deputy that her grandmother had previously owned the home and claimed the property belonged to her.

Authorities said Plueard had also allegedly removed her own pants while inside and put on pants belonging to the homeowner. That allegation resulted in the third-degree theft charge.

Plueard was transported to the Union County Jail without incident, according to the sheriff's office.

The charges are allegations, and Plueard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.