Man accused of repeatedly stealing cars from dealership in north Spokane

Spokane police arrested a 39-year-old man early Thursday after a witness reported he was trying to steal a Mercedes-Benz sedan from a car dealership on North Division Street.

Officers responded shortly after 3 a.m. to Northtown Auto Liquidators and arrested Wayne R. Mellgren, who is accused of stealing at least two other vehicles from the same dealership, according to a news release.

Police said Mellgren was arrested on Oct. 4. In that case he is accused of stealing a Jeep from Northtown Auto Liquidators, which is at Division and Garland Avenue. He was released from jail three days later.

On Thursday, the witness reported Mellgren had gotten inside the Mercedes while it was parked in the dealership lot. Mellgren attempted to flee when officers arrived, according to the news release.

He was found with keys to the Mercedes, as well as keys and paperwork for an Audi SUV that was stolen from the dealership on Oct. 16, according to the news release. The Audi was later recovered.

Police said Mellgren, who has five felony convictions on his record, is suspected in other thefts from the dealership and the Spokane area. He faces charges of vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft and drug possession. He remained in the Spokane County Jail on Friday in lieu of bonds totaling $15,000.