JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Police Department and Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office are investigating separate stolen vehicles in Jamestown & Kensal.

Major Justin Blinsky reports that just before 4 AM Wednesday morning, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 1994 GMC pickup in the 200 block of 5 St NW for an equipment violation.

“The vehicle was owned and registered to a business in the Kensal, ND area,” Major Blinsky reported.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 30-year-old Michael Jay Grager of Jamestown.

“Grager made claims he was a current employee of the business, at the time of the stop. Grager was arrested on suspicion of Driving while his Operators License was suspended and two active Arrest Warrants from Foster County, ND.”

After 8 AM, the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office took a report from a Kensal business of their truck being stolen overnight. It was determined that the vehicle stopped by police was that same vehicle, but had not been reported missing unter after the business opened.

Later on, a resident who owns a 1987 Ford pickup reported his vehicle stolen from his residence and had already been located by an acquaintance in Kensal, who notified him of the vehicles location. Police requested assistance from the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a join investigation.

The investigation by both departments determined the vehicle stolen from Jamestown overnight was taken to Kensal, where it was left abandoned at the same business which then had their vehicle stolen. Based on the information learned during the investigation, it is alleged the same individual stole both vehicles, which are now currently being returned to their owners.

Michael Jay Grager has been arrested on 2 additional charges of suspicion of theft of motor vehicles. He remains in the Stutsman County Correctional Center, awaiting formal charges.

Those with any information are encouraged to contact the Jamestown Police Department or Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office at 701-252-1000.