Second suspect identified in Kittitas County car theft ring, believed to be armed gang member
Jun 11, 2026, 6:35 AM | Updated: 7:04 am
Photos of the 20-year-old suspect Jose Cortez Aguayo. (Photos courtesy of Kittitas County Sheriff's Office)
(Photos courtesy of Kittitas County Sheriff's Office)
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office has identified a second suspect connected to the theft of multiple cars.
The suspect is 20-year-old Jose Cortez Aguayo, who the sheriff’s office believes acted with another man to steal multiple cars throughout the county. Law enforcement is now asking the public to help locate him.
That other suspect working alongside Cortez Aguayo was taken into custody on May 30 and remains at the Kittitas County Jail.
Cortez Aguayo is suspected of stealing a white BMW 328 in Kittitas County on May 13, and then a Hyundai on May 30, which was later found abandoned near Easton. Law enforcement attempted to arrest him on May 30, but he was able to flee the scene.
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Description of Cortez Aguayo
Cortez Aguayo is approximately 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. He has long hair and a beard, seen in the driver’s license photo shown above.
“Cortez Aguayo is believed to be an active gang member and has a large tattoo on the front of his neck reading ‘OTB,'” the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office stated. “He has connections in Renton and family in the Easton area.”
Cortez Aguayo is wanted for multiple offenses, including motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen firearms, eluding, obstructing, and resisting arrest. He is also wanted in connection with multiple cases in King County.
“He may be armed,” the sheriff’s office added.
Anyone with information about Cortez Aguayo’s whereabouts can contact the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 925-8534 and provide the information to Deputy RJ Johnston.
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