KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | America's Most Wanted suspect spotted in Yakima
Member Center:
Joseph Dean Roberts, 26, wanted by police.
Brittany Tavar, 45, missing Florida woman. Photo courtesy of America's Most Wanted
Similar to Tavar's 2004 Toyota Rav4 Florida Plate# Q662NJYAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima police are assisting in a nationwide manhunt for a transient in connection with the disappearance of a St. Johns County Florida woman missing earlier this month.
Police need your help in finding Joseph Dean Roberts, 26, he is a person of interest in the disappearance of Brittany Jeniveve Tavar, 45.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Roberts on grand theft auto charges.
Tavar was last heard from by a close friend on July 6, around noon. Detectives said Roberts was last seen with Tavar during the time frame of her disappearance, telling neighbors he was her nephew. That is not true, according to what family members told detectives.
Detectives said Tavar, along with her two dogs and her 2004 dark blue Toyota Rav4 were missing from her home in the 100 block of South Beach Dr. In St. Johns County Florida.
Investigation revealed one of the dogs was located in Hopkins, South Carolina on July 10. A witness saw the dog chasing a vehicle and took it to a local veterinarian. A micro-chip scanned identified Tavar as the dog's owner.
The next day, officers at the Evanston Police Department in Wyoming, conducted a traffic stop on Tavar's vehicle driven by Roberts. At the time, Tavar was not reported missing and Roberts was given a warning. Officers said Tavar was not in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.
Detectives said there have been reported sightings of Roberts in Washington State, including reports of Tavar's Rav4 being seen in the Yakima area over the weekend of July 24.
A nationwide alert has been issued for Joseph Dean Roberts and Brittany Tavar. In addition, Tavar's family has offered a $25,000 reward for the information leading to the arrest of Roberts.
This case is featured on both Washington's and America's Most Wanted web sites.
Joseph Dean Roberts is being described by police as a 26-year-old white male, standing 6'01" tall, weighing 170 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel colored eyes.
The victim's vehicle is a dark blue 2004 Toyota Rav4, with Florida license plate Q662NJ.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Yakima Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (509) 248-9980.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
NEW Many Washington State agencies will be closed Tuesday as employees are furloughed for the third day this year to save money.
NEW An apartment building on S. 6th Street had to be evacuated after fire broke out early Thursday morning.
The Washington Department of Transportation has added apps for iPhone and Android users to get up-to-the-minute travel information.
Yakima County may be easing up on gun laws, but the city of Yakima has cracked down on major crime.
Island Camp Campground in Yakima County near Glenwood, northwest of Goldendale, has been closed due to a budget shortfall.
NEW Attorneys for a death row inmate who is scheduled to be executed this month are looking to a federal appeals court for a stay.
NEW The Walla Walla County Coroner has identified the remains found near Boise Cascade on August 24th.
NEW Kennewick Police have new information on the vehicle involved in a hit and run accident Wednesday afternoon.
New Prosecutors and defense attorneys are on track to start the trial of a Pasco woman charged with murder.
