2 people arrested after suspected armed robbery in Clackamas County leads to police pursuit

A woman and a man were arrested for allegedly robbing a deli at gunpoint in Oak Grove on June 4, 2024. (Courtesy: Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man and woman were arrested for the alleged robbery of an Oak Grove deli that led to a chase with police Tuesday night.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Foxy’s Lottery Deli and Bar, 15224 SE McLoughlin Blvd.

According to authorities, a man and a woman wearing face masks entered the store and displayed what was believed to be a gun. They then handed a note to an employee demanding his wallet, cigarettes and cash from the register before driving away in a pickup truck.

While officers were investigating at the scene, a deputy spotted the suspects’ pickup truck in Milwaukie, officials said. That deputy and Milwaukie police officers attempted to stop the pickup, which had been reported stolen in Portland.

The driver did not stop, however, so officers deployed spike strips and punctured two of the pickup’s tires. After an officer performed a PIT maneuver, the pickup was stopped on I-205 near Southeast Highway 212, authorities said.

The driver, 47-year-old Tara Kornell, and 44-year-old Louis Prendergast Jr. were arrested and taken to the Clackamas County Jail.

They are both charged with second-degree robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, second-degree theft and reckless driving. Kornell was also charged with attempting to flee from a police officer.

According to officials, another passenger was in the pickup at the time of the arrests, but no charges have been filed against him.

According to CCSO, officers also found an air rifle in the vehicle and confiscated cash stolen during the robbery.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact CCSO.