WANTED: Albert Vanburen - Repeat Sex Offender

Sarah Tofte of the Human Rights Watch says 25% of all sex offenders
re-offend within 15 years

TACOMA - One of the state's worst sex offenders is on the run after police say he stole a car and cut off his GPS tracking device.

Police say 26-year-old Albert Vanburen, a Level 3 sex offender, asked to test-drive an Acura at Tacoma's Autos for Less. During the test drive, he allegedly pulled out a gun and stole the car.

Mark Pope was the in the car with him. He's afraid of what Vanburen might do next.

"He had a sweater zipped down, he pulls out a gun. I didn't honestly see the gun, but he pulled it out and pointed it into my ribs," Pope said. "So I just walked out the car, and as I was walking out of the car he puts the car in drive and I just shut the door. And he drives off."

Police believe Vanburen used the car to commit crimes before dumping it in King County.

They have issued two warrants for Vanburen – one for first-degree robbery and another for failing to report to the Department of Corrections. Vanburen was already wanted for failing to register as a sex offender after serving time for multiple counts of rape of a child.

"That's a pervert who needs to be in jail - that's what I think," Pope said.

Vanburen is described a 26-year-old male with black hair and brown eyes, 5-foot-9, 168 pounds. Police records list his address as "homeless."

"I hope he turns himself in. Running around like that will catch up to you someday," Pope said. "You can't keep running away from yourself."

Tacoma/Pierce County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his arrest. The anonymous hotline number is 253-591-5959.