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Police and Public Safety News
Suspect Shot, Officer Injured
Portland Police Youth Services officers and Central Precinct officers responded around 4 p.m. today to the area of Wilson High School on reports of a suspicious vehicle.
Officers arrived in the area and a confrontation ensued.
The investigation is still ongoing but one officer suffered non-life-threatening wounds and the suspect was shot and killed.
Cold Temperatures Forecast Through Weekend
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5, 2014 -- The National Weather Service forecasts significant winter conditions now through the morning of Sunday, Feb. 9. The forecast is for very cold temperatures, in the lower-20 and teens, with wind chills dipping into the single digits.
Snow showers are possible with accumulation possible for Friday night into Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to moderate through Saturday night into Sunday morning, but the wind chill forecasts remain in the lower 20s with transitional periods of freezing rain possible.
Anyone seeking shelter should contact 211info, reached by dialing 2-1-1. Additionally, shelter information is available online at www.211info.org.
Game Plan: No Drunken Driving on Super Bowl Sunday
FRIDAY, JAN. 31, 2014 – The Portland Police Bureau and the Oregon State Police will be combining teams this Sunday Feb. 2, to keep Portland Metro area drivers safe from drunken drivers.
Both the Portland Police Bureau and the Oregon State Police would like to remind football fans to "Think Before You Drink," and to arrange safe transportation to and from any Super Bowl festivities.
"Before choosing to drink, choose your MVP. In this case, it's a sober, designated driver," Mayor Charlie Hales said.
Impaired drivers contribute to Super Bowl Sunday becoming one of the most dangerous days on the road, according to U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationwide, approximately 48 percent of traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday involve a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher.
As game day approaches and football fans finalize plans, Portland Police and Oregon State Police join the federal Transportation Department, the National Football League and other partners in spreading the message about designating a sober driver, because, "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk."
Public transit is always a good option for any event that includes alcohol. For a list of TriMet schedules, click here.
A list of telephone numbers for taxi cab companies is here.
If you're attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Make sure your ride is sober before letting that person drive you.
• If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or if possible stay where you are for the night and don't drive until you are sober.
• Never let a friend drive while drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
• Always buckle up. It's still your best defense against other drunk drivers.
If you're hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• If you plan to stay sober, offer to drive guests home.
• Encourage guests to pace themselves.
• Host your party like they do at the stadium. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game. The fourth quarter is perfect for serving coffee and dessert.
• Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while drunk.
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
Support zero tolerance for impaired driving by reporting impaired drivers to 911.
Public's Help Sought in Locating Medically Endangered Woman
--UPDATE, FRIDAY, JAN. 31: Marcy Boyer has been located safely by Portland Police and given appropriate care. --
TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2014 – The Portland Police Bureau's Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating Marcella Mae "Marcy" Boyer, 55, missing from her St. Johns neighborhood care facility.
Marcy was last seen on Monday afternoon in downtown St. Johns and was not dressed for cold weather. Marcy has several medical conditions that, if left unchecked, could endanger her welfare.
Marcy is described as a white female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 153 pounds, brown eyes, brown hair and glasses. She was last seen wearing a pink skirt, a red blouse and carrying a black backpack.
Anyone seeing Marcy is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information is asked to contact Detective Mike Weinstein at (503) 823-0446; firstname.lastname@example.com.
New Portland Emergency Coordination Center Opens
TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 2014 – The city is set to open a new, state-of-the-art emergency coordination center in east Portland.
The $19.8 million facility provides a central hub for Portland's public safety officials to respond to a major disaster, including a catastrophic earthquake, flood, winter storm or other hazard. The building houses the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) and Portland Water Bureau's Emergency Management and Security offices.
Tours and a press conference are slated for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. The facility is at 9911 S.E. Bush St., at the intersection with Southeast Powell Boulevard.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Commissioner Steve Novick, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management Director Carmen Merlo, and Portland Water Bureau Director David Shaff will be on hand to offer remarks and cut the ribbon.
The center project broke ground in June 2012, led by Emerick Construction, MWA Architects, and the Portland Office of Management and Finance's Facilities Services division. The building incorporates a range of information and communication technologies - including a 150-foot radio tower - and is designed to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard using water, energy, lighting and other efficiencies.
Police Seize $1.5 million Worth of Meth
MONDAY, JAN. 27, 2014 – Portland Police on Friday made an arrest that netted 31 pounds of methamphetamine.
It is estimated that the street value of the drug would have been an estimated $1.5 million.
At 3:45 p.m. Friday, Portland Police officers stopped a vehicle on Interstate 84 westbound at Exit 18. During the course of the traffic stop, officers received consent to search the vehicle and a drug-sniffing police dog, Nikko, was used to sniff the contents of the vehicle.
Nikko focused on a large suitcase in the trunk of the vehicle, which the vehicle's three occupants denied owning. Drugs and Vice investigators applied for and obtained a search warrant for the bag, leading to the discovery of 31 pounds of methamphetamine.
Nestor Catarino Zazueta-Valenzuela, 36, was arrested and charged with Distribution and Possession of Methamphetamine. He was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and was arraigned today. The other two subjects in the vehicle were released without charges.
Community members concerned about drug activity in their neighborhood should report the information on line or call the Drugs and Vice Division Drug Complaint Hotline at (503) 823-3784.
Man Charges with Pointing Gun at His Mother
FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014 – Police on Wednesday responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Southeast 76th Avenue on the report that a man pointed a gun at his mother.
Several officers arrived in the area around 7:25 a.m. and began surrounding the home to allow for phone contact with the victim. The 63-year-old victim was able to exit the home safely and provided officers with information about her son, Daniel Ryan Kelly King, 26, whom she said had been consuming alcohol, had a history of heroin abuse and was acting erratically in the home.
The victim told officers that her son strangled her and pointed a gun at her inside the home.
King eventually exited the home unarmed, but was not cooperative and tried to re-enter the home, resulting in a police dog being deployed to hold onto him until officers were able to take him into custody. King suffered a minor dog bite and was treated by medical personnel at the scene.
In a subsequent search of the residence, three firearms were located and seized: a shotgun and two handguns. Additionally, numerous rounds of associated ammunition were placed into evidence.
King was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (two counts), Strangulation (Domestic Violence), Menacing (Domestic Violence), and Pointing a Firearm at Another Person.
Police Seek Man Posing as Undercover Officer
TUESDAY, JAN. 14, 2014 – Portland Police are searching for a man who posed as an undercover police officer, stopped a woman and searched her car.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a woman stopped at the Plaid Pantry convenience store at Southeast Grand Avenue and East Burnside Street. After she drove out of the parking lot, she noticed that she was being followed by an unknown vehicle. The victim told police that the driver of the vehicle was flashing its headlights and using a phone with a flashing white and possibly blue light.
The victim drove to the area of North Vancouver Avenue and Ainsworth Street near a friend's house, stopped, and got out to confront the driver.
She said the man following her got out of his car, flashed a badge in a wallet, and identified himself as an undercover police officer. The victim told police that the man explained that he saw her talking to a drug dealer outside of Plaid Pantry and then asked to search her car, which she allowed him to do. The victim watched the man search her car and appear to put something in his pocket.
The victim asked the man for his business card, which he did not provide, and the man drove away. The victim then noticed that she was missing a small amount of money from her purse.
The victim described the suspect as a white male, 40 to 50 years old, short in stature with a skinny build.
The vehicle was described as a white 1990s Buick.
The Portland Police Bureau would like to remind community members that officers performing traffic stops would very rarely be in a vehicle without clear police markings or official lights. All police officers encountering the public will have a badge and a photo ID from the issuing agency identifying themselves as sworn police officers.
Community members suspecting that someone is impersonating a police officer should immediately call 911.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to provide it to email@example.com.
Driver of Dec. 27 fatal crash charged with crimes
MONDAY, DEC. 30, 2013 -- Audy Molina-Colindres, 29, was released from an area hospital today and lodged at the Multnomah County Jail, following the Dec. 27 crash on Barbur Boulevard that took the life of Dmitriy G. Maksimov, 28.
Molina-Colindres was charged with second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving.
The investigation is ongoing. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.
This was the 35th traffic-related fatality in Portland in 2013.
Police warn of dangers of 'celebratory' gunfire on New Year's Eve
MONDAY, DEC 30, 2013 – On New Year's Eve, Portland Police officers citywide will be on patrol and ready to respond to reports of shots fired in neighborhoods.
Last year, officers responded to 16 calls for service regarding reports of someone firing a gun on New Year's Eve.
The Portland Police Bureau would like to remind people that firing a gun within the city limit is illegal and anyone caught firing a gun will be arrested and charged with all applicable crimes.
Bullets flying into the air must come down and can injure or kill someone. The Police Bureau is asking for cooperation to end 2013 and begin 2014 without a firearm-related tragedy.
Anyone hearing gunfire in the city is asked to immediately call 911.
Portland Experiences 35th Traffic-Related Fatality of 2013
FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2013 – The driver of this morning's fatal crash on Southwest Barbur Boulevard now faces criminal charges.
Investigators believe that the vehicle initially was headed southbound on Barbur around 3 a.m. The driver lost control, crossed over a median, through the northbound lanes Barbur, and collided with a large tree.
The passenger, Dmitriy G. Maksimov, 28, died at the scene.
The driver, Audy Molina-Colindres, 29, was trapped in the vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Early this afternoon, Molina-Colindres was charged with manslaughter, reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants
The investigation is ongoing and alcohol is believed to be a factor.
The investigation began at 3:06 a.m., when Central Precinct officers responded to Southwest Barbur Boulevard and Miles Street on the report that a vehicle crashed into a tree. Officers and medical personnel arrived and located one person dead.
Molina-Colindres, the driver of the vehicle, was trapped inside the car and was suffering from traumatic injuries. Portland Fire & Rescue personnel were able to remove him. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment.
This is the 35th traffic-related fatality in Portland in 2013.
Fairness Hearing Set On Portland, DOJ Settlement
MONDAY, DEC. 23, 2013 – U.S. District Judge Michael Simon will hold a fairness hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to receive testimony from the public on whether a settlement agreement on a package of Portland police reforms is fair, reasonable and adequate to solve problems identified by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Information on the fairness hearing is available at the Court's website. The site includes the proposed settlement agreement and a testimony form.
The fairness hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, in Courtroom 13B of the federal courthouse,1000 S.W. Third Ave. It will be open to the public.
The Justice Department found in 2012 that Portland police engaged in a pattern or practice of using excessive force against people with actual or perceived mental illness. The settlement agreement calls for reforms to police policies, training and oversight.
The Court invites members of the public to testify, in writing or orally, on the following topics:
• Is the Agreement fair to everyone affected?
• Is the Agreement reasonable?
• Is the Agreement adequate to solve the problems identified in the complaint?
Pedestrian Struck by Car in Hazelwood; Dies on Scene
TUESDAY, DEC. 17, 2013 – A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle today at Northeast 117th Avenue and Glisan Street.
Officers and medical personnel arrived at approximately 3 p.m. and located the victim, an adult female possibly in her 40s or 50s. Medical personnel provided treatment at the scene but the victim did not survive her injuries.
The driver who struck the pedestrian has remained at the scene.
Northeast Glisan is closed in both directions for the investigation. Alternate routes include East Burnside Street, Southeast Stark Street and Northeast Halsey Street.
The Portland Police Bureau's Traffic Division's Major Crash Team is conducting an investigation.
This is the 34th traffic-related fatality in Portland in 2013.
No additional information is available at this time.
Portland Fire & Rescue receives federal grant to save jobs
FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2013 – After months of work, Portland Fire & Rescue has acquired a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to fund 26 firefighter positions for two years.
The $4.55 million grant from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, program will go toward keeping Portland's emergency response capabilities at its current levels.
"We faced the worst deficit in anyone's memory this year," Mayor Charlie Hales said. "Some dismissed the $21.5 million shortfall as no big deal. But it was real. Without the FEMA grant, we would be laying off more than two dozen firefighters. This crisis was real, and we tried every creative option we could think of it solve it."
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Erin Janssens said FEMA recognized the importance of maintaining Portland's firefighting capacity, despite the fiscal crisis.
"This grant is very important, not only for the firefighters and their families who were directly impacted by potential layoffs, but to everyone who lives, works or visits Portland and relies on dynamic fire-and-rescue services. Because of this past tough budget season, the federal government has stepped forward to support our city's safety response system for two years until our city government finds a local support source. We are grateful."
The priority of the SAFER grant is to rehire laid-off firefighters. Due to the City of Portland's budget crisis, 26 firefighter positions were eliminated from the bureau's budget. While waiting for the outcome of the grant, the bureau used bridge funding until Oct. 1. Over the past two months, PF&R has carried over limited savings from vacancies to cover these 26 positions and to maintain service levels.
If the award had not been granted, absent any other funding sources, PF&R would have been forced to close two stations – an option Mayor Hales had ruled out during last spring's budget-writing process.
"It is great to see the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognize the vital role Portland's firefighters play in our community's safety by providing us this bridge funding over the next two years to keep all our fire stations open and operating," Portland Fire Commissioner Dan Saltzman said. "I will make certain City Council follows through on its commitment to reestablish this funding from local sources at the end of the grant and thank all our firefighters for their patience as this process unfolded and for the important work they do every day."
Alan Ferschweiler, president of Portland Firefighters Association, also commented on the grant. "We are pleased our collaboration with the Chief, City Commissioners and the Mayor on such a critical grant to protect our communities paid off. Not only is the grant going to save 26 fire positions, it will help keep our front firefighters on the job protecting the communities they serve every day. We look forward working with Chief Janssens, Mayor Hales and City officials to find permanent funding in two years to keep our firefighters on the job and protecting our communities from fire dangers."
Several members of Portland's congressional delegation supported the FEMA appolication.
"Portland Fire & Rescue is responsible for the safety of more than 600,000 Portland residents and 65,000 businesses," U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said. "These much-needed funds will ensure that firefighters are ready to respond when called upon and that ongoing budget challenges will not diminish Portland Fire & Rescue's ability to provide the same high-level protection for the entire community."
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley agreed. "Twenty-six firefighters will be able to keep their jobs and two fire stations will remain open because of this funding. This is crucial funding to keep our firefighters safe and create better response times for the entire community."
That was echoed by U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, whose district includes portions of Portland. "With many city and county budgets still digging out from the recession, the SAFER Grant program is critical to keep firefighters on the job and in our communities," he said.
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici also serves a portion of Portland. "Because of local budget constraints, many of our communities are struggling to provide the basic services that keep people safe," she said. "Portland Fire & Rescue is essential to the safety and well-being of residents and the local infrastructure we depend on, and they deserve our full support."
Fatal Crash on Barbur; Traffic Blocked in Both Directions.
MONDAY, NOV. 25, 2013 – Police and firefighters responded this afternoon to a traffic crash involving two vehicles at Southwest Barbur Boulevard and Miles Street.
Police responded to the scene at 2:37 p.m. and determined that one occupant had died. Portland Fire & Rescue was able to extinguish the fire.
Additional information was received that the vehicle was on fire and that the fire was spreading to the hillside.
Southwest Barbur is closed in both directions. Southbound drivers are encouraged to use Capitol Highway and northbound drivers are encouraged to use Terwilliger Boulevard.
Robbery Suspect ID'd in Theft of Hearing-Impaired Man's iPad
FRIDAY, NOV. 22, 2013 – The suspect involved in the September robbery of a deaf man's iPad on MAX has been arrested in Salem on unrelated charges.
Artease Rashawn Jacob, 30, was booked into the Marion County Jail on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Jacob was identified as the suspect in the September Portland robbery after extensive media coverage and numerous anonymous tips submitted to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
The robbery investigation began on Sept. 13 when East Precinct officers responded to the report of a robbery on an eastbound MAX train and learned that the suspect robbed a 62-year-old deaf man of his iPad.
TriMet surveillance images were released to the public, which aided in identifying Jacob as the suspect.
Detectives still need the public's help in identifying a second possible suspect on a bicycle, described as a white male in his late-teens or early-20s, 5 feet 10 inches, medium build, with a Chinese-symbol tattoo on the left side of his neck, a white T-shirt, baseball cap and black shorts, and riding a BMX bicycle.
Jacob will be brought to Multnomah County, where he will face robbery-related charges.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Brent Christensen at (503) 823-0842 or email@example.com
Police Seek Assistance on Nov. 9 Triple Shooting
FRIDAY, NOV. 15, 2013 – Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, are asking for the public's help in solving a triple shooting and homicide in Northeast Portland.
At 12:45 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, officers responded to the report of a large fight and riot outside the Fontaine Bleau Nightclub, 237 N.E. Broadway.
Officers arrived to find a crowd of 75 to 100 people involved in a disturbance and Durieul Joseph Harris, 30, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Harris died at the scene and officers learned that two other people suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Homicide detectives have conducted several interviews related to the shootings but believe that many other people fled the scene without talking to police and may have critical information to help solve this case.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call (503) 823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.
Crews Handle Two Bridge Suicide Attempts; Both End With Lives Saved
THURSDAY, OCT. 31, 2013 – Portland Police and Fire & Rescue personnel on Wednesday worked to save the lives of two suicidal people on two Portland bridges at the same time. In both incidents, the people ended up not jumping and were saved.
A man on the ledge of the Vista Bridge remained there for more than five hours Wednesday, during which time Portland Police officers conducted crisis negotiations.
Negotiators working with mental health experts spoke to the man's out-of-state family, and worked with Portland Fire & Rescue to come up with a safe plan to get him off the bridge.
The man had crossed the barrier erected earlier this year to make suicide attempts more difficult.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., the man came down and was transported to aPortland hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Meanwhile, crisis negotiators and firefighters worked together for nearly four hours to safely resolve the situation of a woman who was threatening to jump into the Willamette River from the Fremont Bridge. Police responded to that call at approximately 5:17 p.m. Wednesday.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., the woman climbed back over the railing and was transported to a Portland hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Help is available
If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thought or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, please consider the following options:
The Multnomah County Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at (503) 988-4888.
Lines for Life is available 24 hours a day at (503) 972-3456.
Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Payment is not necessary. Call (503) 963-2575.
Police Host Social Media Campaign on Domestic Violence
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30, 2013 – In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Portland Police Bureau will host a day-long campaign on Facebook and Twitter today.
This informational campaign will feature important links and tips for survivors of domestic abuse or their loved ones.
Follow the social media channels below to see #domesticviolence information and tips.
Facebook - http://facebook.com/portlandpolice
Twitter - http://twitter.com/portlandpolice
Police Seek Public's Help Following Rash of Vehicle Vandalism Incidents
TUESDAY, OCT. 29, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is continuing to ask for the public's help in solving hundreds of vehicle vandalisms in Portland.
Since late May, the Portland Police Bureau has received hundreds of reports of vehicle vandalisms in several Portland neighborhoods. The Alameda, Irvington, Rose City and Grand Park neighborhoods in Northeast Portland have received the bulk of the vandalisms but reports also indicate that the crime has spread into Southeast Portland's Laurelhurst, Hosford-Abernethy, Richmond, Sunnyside, Sellwood and Kerns neighborhoods.
The vandal or vandals appear to be primarily targeting SUVs (both large and small crossover-style), trucks and vans parked in the street and are puncturing a tire. Some victims have been hit multiple times. Additionally, the vandal or vandals have targeted convertible tops and motorcycle seats.
Investigators have not yet been able to determine if all of these cases are related.
The Crime Analysis Unit has found more than 500 reports have been filed and, on average, 20 to 25 new reports are filed each week. The cost estimate to victims of this damage is estimated at more than $300,000. Reports indicate that the damage is generally occurring during nighttime hours, every day of the week.
At this point there is no suspect information and most victims are discovering the damage in the morning, well after the crime occurred.
Anyone seeing suspicious activity consistent with these reports is asked to immediately call 911.
Victims discovering damage to vehicles are asked to file reports by calling the non-emergency number at (503) 823-3333.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Mayor Hales Hires Policy Director For Police
MONDAY, OCT. 28, 2013 – Mayor Charlie Hales today announced the addition of Deanna Wesson-Mitchell to his staff. She will serve as policy director for Portland Police.
Wesson-Mitchell is a nine-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau. She is a sworn officer.
"She is of, and from, the community. She is of, and from, the bureau," Mayor Hales said. "She is focused on the goal of making this the best urban police departments in the country. She's exactly who we need right now."
Wesson-Mitchell was born and raised in Portland and graduated from Jefferson High School. She has a bachelor's degree in history from The George Washington University in Washington,D.C.
Since joining the Portland Police Bureau in 2004, Wesson-Mitchell has served as a patrol officer (2004-08), an investigative officer (2008-11) and recruitment coordinator for the Personnel Division. She also has been a Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) instructor, and has been involved with the Making Positive Choices Youth Forum; Racial Profiling Committee; Citywide Diversity Committee; Police Equity: Leadership Council; and Community and Police Relations Committee.
She lives in Lents with her husband, JaMarr Mitchell, and their sons.
Her first day in the mayor's office will be Nov. 18.
"I am very excited to continue the equity work began in the police bureau two and a half years ago," Wesson-Mitchell said. "We have made forward progress and, with support of the Mayor's office, will continue to build capacity and specific skills, which promote equity in both service toPortland's diverse communities and internal operations."
Portland Police Chief Mike Reese praised the hire. "We are very pleased that the mayor's office has selected Deanna for this important role," Reese said. "I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the work Deanna has done at the Police Bureau. In addition to being an excellent police officer, in her recent role in the Personnel Division, she has assisted the bureau in recruiting and hiring diverse officer candidates. She has also been a member of the Community and Police Relations Committee and taken an active role in helping the bureau with issues regarding equity."
That was echoed by Officer Daryl Turner, president of the Portland Police Association. "I think she'd be a wonderful addition to the mayor's staff. I look forward to working with her," Turner said.
Under Portland's commissioner style of government, the five elected members of the Portland City Council also serve as bureau commissioners. Hales' bureaus include Portland Police, as well as several others.
Hales, who took office in January, initially hired Baruti Artharee to serve as policy director for police. Artharee retired this fall.
Wesson-Mitchell is the second recent hire for the mayor. Earlier in October, he announced that State Sen. Jackie Dingfelder will leave the Legislature and will join the staff as a senior policy director.
Wesson-Mitchell and Dingfelder join Josh Alpert and Ed McNamara as the primary policy directors for the mayor. All four work under the direction of Chief of Staff Gail Shibley.
Police Make Arrest in Connection with Homicide at Holgate MAX Station
FRIDAY, OCT. 25, 2013 – Portland Police Homicide Detectives on Thursday arrested Silvano Velasquez, 18, connection with the Oct. 11 homicide at the Holgate MAX Station.
Velasquez was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Murder, Attempted Murder, Unlawful use of a Weapon, and Assault in the First Degree.
A female suspect, previously shown in a Crime Stoppers bulletin, has been identified and has not been charged.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to call Detective Mark Slater at (503) 823-9319 or Detective Erik Kammerer at (503) 823-0762.
Prescription Drug Turn In Event This Saturday
October 24, 2013 – With prescription drug abuse among teenagers skyrocketing, there is a great opportunity for you to safely dispose of old prescriptions. The Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention Program and the Portland Police Bureau will host a Prescription Drug Turn In event on Saturday October 26, 2013, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Southeast Substation (formerly Southeast Precinct) located at 4735 E. Burnside.
Portland Police Officers and Crime Prevention staff will be on site for the anonymous turn in of unused or expired prescription medications, to share information about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and to answer community and media questions regarding this issue.
All medications turned in at this event will be incinerated. Sharps and medical waste will not be accepted. Acceptable items for deposit: Prescription medications and samples, all over the counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, medicated ointments, and liquid medication in leak proof containers.
Items not acceptable for deposit: Thermometers/Sharps/Syringes, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, inhalers, EpiPens.
Make your home safer! We encourage the community to clean out their medicine cabinets during this one-day event.
Armed Robbery at The Venture Inn on NE Sandy
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 -- At approximately 1:10 am, Portland Police officers responded to an alarm call at The Venture Inn located at 13900 NE Sandy Blvd.
Arriving officers learned that a Robbery had just taken place. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a gray hoodie and armed with a handgun. He reportedly left the scene in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Anyone with information regarding this Robbery is asked to call Portland Police Robbery Detectives at (503) 823-0400
Domestic Violence sends Man to Hospital
October 22, 2013 -- Tuesday evening, Portland Police arrested 37-year-old Miranda L Robinson for shooting her ex-boyfriend while at his residence at 126th and SE Salmon Ct. Robinson was booked into Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful use of a Weapon. The victim continues to recover at a local hospital.
Suspect Arrested in Monday Night Shooting
TUESDAY, OCT. 22, 2013 – A suspect has been arrested in connection with Monday night's shooting in the area of Northeast 21st Avenue and Pacific Street.
The suspect has been identified as Eric Gilliam, 28, who has been charged with Assault 1 and lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center.
The victim, a 49-year-old man, sustained non life-threatening injuries and remains in a local hospital.
At approximately 10:11 p.m. Monday, officers responded to a call of a person shot in the vicinity of Northeast 21st and located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Portland Police Detective Paul Dolbey at (503) 823-0451.
Downtown Portland Skateboard Assault Suspect Arrested
October 18, 2013. 18-year-old Daniel Delbert Dorson, wanted for assault in connection with a July attack on a 70-year-old man, was arrested yesterday in Humboldt County, California.
This investigation began on July 15, 2013, at 2:30 p.m., when Central Precinct officers responded to the report of an assault outside the Portland Outdoor Store. Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the victim, 70-year-old Larry Allen, suffering from a head injury. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment to the non-life-threatening injury.
Witnesses told police that a large group of transient "street kids" were involved in the assault of the man, an employee of the Portland Outdoor Store. Witnesses told police the victim was hosing off the sidewalk when he was attacked.
Assault detectives followed leads in this case which have identified Daniel Dorson as the suspect with the skateboard. Dorson was booked into the Humboldt County Jail in Eureka,California where he will await extradition to Oregon.
NW Cornell Road to Close on Friday Night
October 17, 2013. The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public thatNW Cornell Roadwill be closed overnight Friday, October 18 beginning at 8 p.m. The road is scheduled to reopen Saturday, October 19 at 6 a.m.
The closure allows work crews to clean roadway debris in and around theCornell Roadtunnel.
The closure applies to all travelers, including people traveling by bicycle and foot. Local access will be provided and flaggers will be present to reroute traffic.
Detour signs and flaggers will be stationed on the east end of the closure at NW 25th Avenue andNW Lovejoy Street to detour traffic toNW Burnside Street. On the west end, detour signs and flaggers will be present atNW Skyline Boulevard andNW Cornell Road.
We ask the public to travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible. This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
Officer Involved in 2011 Shooting Terminated fromPortlandPolice Bureau
October 16, 2013. The Portland Police Bureau notified Officer Dane Reister that his employment has been terminated for violations of Directive 315.30 (Unsatisfactory Performance) and Directive 1050.00 (Less Lethal Weapons and Munitions)
The Violations stem from the June 30th, 2011 incident in which lethal rounds were fired, rather than less lethal shotgun rounds by officer Reister. The actions resultted in William Monroe being critically injured..
"This has been a long and thorough investigation, which had complexities due to the pending criminal charges," said Portland Police Chief Michael Reese.
"This is an appropriate ending to a very sad story," commented Mayor Charlie Hales
Major Crash Team Investigating Fatal Crash On SW Barbur Blvd.
Tuesday October 15, 2013. at 2:42 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the report of a single vehicle crash in the 9000 block of SW Barbur Boulevard.
Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the crash scene at SW Barbur Boulevard and 30th Avenue. The driver was deceased in the vehicle, a smaller silver sedan, and appeared to have hit a power pole and a parked vehicle.
The intersection of SW Barbur Boulevard and 30th Avenue is closed in all directions and remained so for several hours.
The Traffic Division's Major Crash Team is responding to conduct a crash investigation.
Suspect Arrested after Fleeing Police and Crashing into a Power Pole
Monday October 14, 2013. At 7:27 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the 10300 block of NE Prescott Streeton the report of a single vehicle crash into a power pole.
Officers arrived and found the car, a sheared-off power pole, and a 12-year-old girl in the passenger seat. The driver fled the crash scene. He was eventually located and arrested at Northeast 103rd Avenue and Tillamook Street.
East Precinct officers had earlier attempted to stop the vehicle in the area of Southeast 102nd Avenue and Stark Street but the vehicle sped away. Officer pursued the car briefly before they terminated the pursuit.
The suspect, 43-year-old Arnell Wendell Brown, will be booked into the Multnomah County Jail on several charges. The 12-year-old girl did not appear to have any serious injuries but was transported to a Portland hospital as a precaution. She is the daughter of an associate of Brown's.
Pacific Power & Light (PP&L) will be replacing the power pole.
Buy a Burger for a Good Cause!
This Saturday, October 12, 2013, members of the Portland Police Bureau will be participating in the annual "Tip-A-Cop" fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon.
Officers will be serving lunch and dinner at the Lloyd District Red Robin, located at 1139 Northeast Grand Avenue, and collecting tips benefiting Special Olympics Oregon.
Officers will be on hand from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
"Tip-A-Cop" is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) campaign. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is presented by more than 144,000 law enforcement officers worldwide to help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated.
Portland Police Prevent Suicide from Vista Bridge
October 7th, 2013. Monday evening, at 10:35 p.m. Portland Police Officers responded to reports of a man climbing over the new, temporary barrier on the Vista Bridge.
Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team Officers (E-CIT) arrived and found the man standing outside the barrier on the rail. After developing a rapport with the man, they convinced him to climb back over the fence and barrier. The 36-year-old man was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thought or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, please consider the following options:
The Multnomah County Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at (503) 988-4888.
Lines for Life is available 24 hours a day at (503) 972-3456.
Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week.
Payment is not necessary. Call (503) 963-2575.
Gang Enforcement Investigating Non-Injury Shooting in NE Portland
Tuesday October 1, 2013 – At 10:57 p.m., North Precinct officers responded to the report of multiple shots fired at Northeast Going Street and Mallory Avenue.
Officers located an abandoned car that had apparently crashed into several parked cars. There were some juveniles nearby who were present when shots were fired. However, they were unclear about the circumstances.
No victims were located and Gang Detectives continue to investigate.
Arrests Under Morrison Bridge; Dog Bites Officer
TUESDAY, OCT. 1, 2013 – Portland Police contacted several people sleeping on the sidewalk along Southwest Naito Parkway under the Morrison Bridge around 8 a.m. today, conducting routine "wake-up" calls and asking folks to pick up their property.
A dog running loose attacked and bit an officer, causing a minor injury. Several people became combative with officers, who deployed pepper spray in the course of making two arrests.
The dog has been taken by Multnomah County Animal Control.
The names and charges of those arrested will be released at a later time.
Detectives Continue Search for Missing Teen
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau is continuing to ask for the public's help in locating Dalia Mauro-Contreras, 15, who ran away from her Portland foster home almost four months ago, on June 4.
Officers from the Youth Services Division, as well as detectives from the Missing Persons Unit, have been working jointly to investigate a number of possible leads or sightings, in and around Multnomah and Washington counties.
During the course of investigation, detectives learned that Dalia may have run away to be with an adult male, Richer Gabriel Martin-Gongora, 28, a family acquaintance, whose whereabouts also are unknown. Martin-Gongora was contacted by police earlier during the investigation and was cooperative. Since that contact, detectives have been unable to locate him again.
At this time, Martin-Gongora is not considered a suspect in any crime, nor has there been any evidence of foul play in this investigation. Detectives have said Martin-Gongora is only a subject they would like to be able to contact further about this case.
Earlier tips from the public have included reports that Dalia may have been seen in the vicinity of Southeast 160th Avenue and Glisan Street, as well as the Orenco Station MAX/Transit Center in the Hillsboro area.
Dalia is described as an Hispanic female, 15 years old, 5 feet tall, weighing 105 pounds, with shoulder-length dark brown hair, brown eyes, with a notable mole on the lower right side of her nose.
Martin-Gongora is described as an Hispanic male, 28 years old, 5 feet tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has been described as sometimes being clean-shaven or having a full mustache and beard, but recently had been seen wearing a goatee.
There is no available vehicle description.
Anyone with information about Dalia's or Martin-Gongora's whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone with additional, non-emergency information about this case is asked to contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081, email@example.com; or, Detective Mike Weinstein at (503) 823-0446, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Sunday Parkways Cancelled Due to Severe Weather
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 2013 – The final Sunday Parkways of the season is cancelled due to a severe weather forecast. High winds and heavy rain are anticipated for this Sunday, Sept. 29.
The event was scheduled to take place in Southwest Portland from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. City officials are notifying sponsors, vendors and residents of the cancellation. The event is sponsored by the Portland Bureau of Transportation
This was the last in a series of five Sunday Parkways events this year that take place in various neighborhoods and open the city's largest public space – the streets – to walk, bike, roll and enjoy active transportation and entertainment. The first four Parkways events brought large crowds of Portlanders of all ages together to enjoy traffic-free streets for a day and to encourage active transportation year-round.
Sunday Parkways is organized by the Portland Bureau of Transportation with its many community partners, including presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente, and champion sponsors Universal Cycles, and Portland Parks & Recreation, Metro, Bike Gallery, Clif Kid and the NW Health Foundation. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Food Front wereSouthwest Portlandevent sponsors.
Strong Storm to Hit Portland This Weekend
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 2013 – The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service warn that two weather systems are poised to bring heavy rain to the Portland metro area starting late today and continuing through Sunday.
Total rainfall amounts are expected to be 1.5 to 4 inches during the weekend. Winds are expected to be between 25 to 35 mph. The heaviest rainfall and potential for localized flooding will occur late Saturday.
- Heavy Rain:
- There could be sharp rises on smaller creeks and streams and moderate rises on rivers.
- Flooding on small streams.
- Likely some urban street flooding as leaves are just beginning to fall and may clog storm drains. Rainfall rates may be high at times which may cause local street flooding.
- Winds
- Local power outages possible as strong winds could break weakened tree branches and limbs.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
Suspect Crashes Stolen Vehicle
TUESDAY, SEPT. 24, 2013 – Portland Police officers located a vehicle at approximately 7:25 a.m. today that had been reported stolen earlier this morning. Officers stopped the Acura Integra near the intersection of Southeast 92nd and Market, but the driver drove away before officers could approach the car.
Officers began a short pursuit and as the suspect approached spike strips set up by other officers. He swerved, severing a fire hydrant and clipping a utility pole near the intersection of Southeast 82nd and Main.
The suspect, who was conscious and breathing, was taken into custody but is being taken to a local hospital. Charges are pending.
Police investigating report of shots fired in Northeast Portland
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 -- Portland Police are investigating a report of gunshots being fired in the 3000 block of Northeast Weidler Street, near the Hollywood Fred Meyer, shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
Police have found "evidence of gunfire," but have not located any victims or suspects, police said in a press release.
Officers are speaking with people in the area. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the police non-emergency line at (503) 823-3333.
Theives on Train Take iPad from Deaf Man
FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a robbery on a MAX train, in which a deaf man, 62, had his iPad stolen. The victim uses the tablet computer to communicate.
East Precinct officers responded to the 122nd MAX Transit Station at 5:25 a.m. today, on the report that two suspects stole an iPad from a man riding the train. Two suspects got on an eastbound MAX at the Gateway Transit Station and began being aggressive towards the victim, who was holding his iPad.
Police said the victim is deaf and uses the tablet as his primary means of communication.
As the train stopped at the 102nd Transit Station, one of the suspects grabbed the victim's iPad and ran off the train and continued running south on 102nd Avenue. The other suspect, who was on his BMX bike inside the train, also left the train and rode south on 102nd.
Several officers canvassed the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.
The suspect who grabbed the iPad is described as an African American male, late-teens or early-20s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, thin build, short black hair, red T-shirt, light blue jean shorts and black high-top tennis shoes.
The suspect on the bicycle is described as a white male in his late-teens or early-20s, 5 feet 10 inches, medium build, with a Chinese symbol tattoo on the left side of his neck. He wore a white T-shirt, baseball cap and black shorts, and was riding a BMX bicycle.
Anyone with information about this incident or these suspects is asked to email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Police Seek Runaway, 15
THURSDAY, SEPT. 12, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau is asking for the public's help in locating missing 15-year-old Dalia Mauro-Contreras.
Dalia was reported missing on June 4 after she left Parkrose High School part way through the school day and did not return. The reporting party told police that Dalia left her school work at home but did take an extra set of clothes. Officers also discovered a previous runaway report involving Dalia.
Over the past several months, law enforcement flIers regarding Dalia have been distributed to police agencies throughout Portland, Beaverton and Tigard, areas Dahlia has been known to frequent.
Investigators also have interviewed several people known to Dalia and believe that Dalia may be accompanying or being assisted by a 27-year-old male family friend to avoid law enforcement detection.
Dalia is described as a Hispanic female, 5 feet tall, 105 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light grey sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone seeing Dalia is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information about this case is asked to contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081 or email@example.com.
Spanish-speakers may contact Officer Julia Rico at (503) 823-5784 or email@example.com
Police Seek Assistance in Skateboard Attack
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted suspect in a Downtown Portland assault.
Daniel Delbert Dorson, 18, is wanted for assaulting a 70-year-old man with a skateboard outside the Portland Outdoor Store at Southwest Third Avenue and Oak Street.
This investigation began on Monday July 15, when Central Precinct officers responded to the report of an assault outside the Portland Outdoor Store. Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the victim, Larry Allen, 70, suffering from a head injury. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment to the non-life-threatening injury.
Witnesses told police that a large group of transient "street kids" were involved in the assault of Allen, an employee of the Portland Outdoor Store. Witnesses told police the victim was hosing off the sidewalk when he was attacked.
Assault detectives followed leads in this case which have identified Daniel Dorson as the suspect with the skateboard.
Dorson is described as a white male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call (503) 823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.
Man Charged for Shooting in August
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11, 2013 – Dayshawndo Maxwell, 33, has been charged with several crimes in connection with an August 2013 gang shooting in Northeast Portland.
The investigation started on Aug. 27, when North Precinct officers responded to the report of an early-morning shooting in the 3700 block of Northeast Garfield Avenue. A woman reported that a man fired a shot that struck her car. There were no injuries as a result of the shooting.
Gang Enforcement Team detectives responded to the scene and began to follow-up the initial investigation. Maxwell was arrested on Sept. 5 and lodged in the Multnomah County Jail for a parole violation. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, he was charged with Attempted Murder, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
A Multnomah County grand jury is set for next week.
The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to actively investigate gang and gun crimes in Portland. Anyone with information about gang and/or illegal gun crimes in Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau.
If you see an illegal gun crime in progress, call 911.
Anyone with additional information about this case can contact Detective Todd Gradwahl at (503) 823-2056 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Man arrested in shooting of cruise ship partygoers at downtown Portland waterfront
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 -- A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that wounded three other men waiting for a cruise ship party near Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park last month.
Jajuan Latrell Yoakum was arrested about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday as he was walking near North Interstate Avenue and Emerson Street, police said. Officers searched him and found a handgun and crack cocaine, according to police.
Yoakum was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on attempted murder, assault, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm charges.
Police said the late August 24 shooting was gang-related and remains under investigation. Two other men believed to be involved have not been identified by officers. They are described as between their late teens to 20s, medium height and medium weight.
The shooting occurred near Southwest Naito Parkway and Salmon Street while about 300 people waited for the start of the private party aboard the Portland Spirit, police said. Yoakum was one of three men dressed in all white clothing who confronted several people waiting to board and then fired gunshots into the crowd, according to police.
The three victims: Leonard Brightmon, 26; Xavier Bolden, 22; and Ronnie Smith, 22, were all taken to Portland hospitals and are expected to survive, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Todd Gradwahl at 503-823-2056 or email@example.com, or Detective Meghan Burkeen at 503-823-2092 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Public's Help Sought Finding Endangered Girl, 12
-- UPDATE, FRIDAY, SEPT. 6: Ivy Marie Tran, 12, has been safely located and taken into protective custody. Her mother, Desha Marie Middleton, 38, has been arrested and charged with Custodial Interference in the Second Degree --
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau's Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered 12-year-old girl.
Ivy Marie Tran was last seen on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 29, after running away from her foster home in Southeast Portland. Tran is a ward of the state. Police say she may be in the company of her mother, Desha Marie Middleton, 38.
A photo of Ivy Tran and her mother is being released to assist the public in helping locate Ivy.
Tran is described as an Asian female, 4 feet 11 inches tall, 70 pounds, and brown hair with blonde highlights. Tran was last seen wearing a leopard-print tank top, multi-colored argyle leggings, and mid-calf leopard-print boots.
Anyone seeing Tran is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information about Tran is asked to contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081 or email@example.com.
Pedestrian Struck and Killed by MAX train
THURESDAY, SEPT. 5, 2013 – A pedestrian struck by a MAX train at Northeast Seventh Avenue and Holladay Street has died of her injuries.
The 62-year-old woman was struck this morning by a westbound train. Investigators believe the woman was walking eastbound on the North sidewalk and stepped into a crosswalk directly into the path of a westbound train, which was pulling into the station. Investigators have reviewed surveillance video and it appears that the woman did not hear the train coming.
Investigators have determined that the MAX operator was not impaired at the time of the crash.
MAX service has been restored and the investigation is continuing.
The woman's name will not be released until Friday, after family notifications have been made by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office.
Investigation Continues on Gang-Related Shooting in Downtown Portland
MONDAY, AUG. 26, 2013 – Gang Enforcement Team detectives are continuing to investigate the Saturday night shooting that injured three people in Downtown Portland.
The victims; Leonard Brightmon, 26, Xavier Bolden, 22, and Ronnie Smith, 22, were transported to Portland hospitals for treatment. Injuries to Brightmon and Bolden were serious but not life-threatening. Smith is in critical condition but expected to survive his injuries.
Investigators learned that the river boat, The Portland Spirit, had been rented out for a private party that attracted a large number of gang members and associates. The suspects approached a line of waiting people. There was an alleged confrontation between the victims and suspects before shots were fired.
The shooting occurred in Waterfront Park, near the gangway to The Portland Spirit. At the time of the shooting, approximately 300 people were on board the boat waiting for the party to begin.
After the shooting, Portland Fire & Rescue boats searched the river near The Portland Spirit to make sure no additional victims or witnesses went into the water. None were located.
No arrests have been made and there is no further information.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact Detective Todd Gradwahl at (503) 823-2056 or email@example.com; or Detective Meghan Burkeen at (503) 823-2092 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Update: Police make arrest on hit-and-run that injured bicyclist
THURSDAY, AUG. 22, 2013 – Police have arrested in the hit-and-run collision with a bicyclist in Southwest Portland.
Miriam Ann Clinton, 29, of Lake Oswego turned herself in to officers at Central Precinct this afternoon. She has been booked into jail on two counts of Felony Hit and Run.
"This was remarkable police work by Sgt.Todd Davis and Officer Pete Kurronen," Mayor Charlie Hales said.
The charges come as a result of the hit-and run-crash at 12:50 a.m., Friday, Aug. 16, which left the victim, Henry Schmidt, 20, injured on the side of the road on Southwest Barbur Boulevard near the Capitol Highway ramp.
An anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Oregon led investigators to the suspect vehicle, a black 2011 Subaru Legacy, at a body shop in Wilsonville. Additional investigation identified the driver.
Clinton will be arraigned in Multnomah County Court on Friday.
Police seek help on Friday hit-and-run that injured bicyclist
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in identifying a hit-and-run suspect who severely injured a bicyclist on Friday Aug. 16.
Central Precinct officers responded at approximately 12:50 a.m. to Southwest Barbur Boulevard, just north of the Capitol Highway ramp on the report of a bicyclist who had been hit by a vehicle, which left the scene.
Officers and medical personnel arrived and contacted the victim, Henry Schmidt, 20, who was suffering from serious but not life-threatening injuries. Schmidt did not know what happened and was unable to provide officers with any vehicle information.
Officers located and recovered evidence at the scene from an unknown year, make or model Subaru. Additional evidence was collected later. Upon further investigation, the evidence appears to belong to a black 2011 to 2012 Subaru Legacy 25i sedan, which investigators believe was involved in the hit-and-run.
Based on the investigation, officers believe that the suspect vehicle will have damage to the right-front headlight assembly and bumper, and will be missing the passenger-side mirror. The vehicle also may have windshield damage on the passenger side.
No eyewitnesses have come forward with information.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php, text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Android.
Police: Bike Project Benefits Youths in Togo
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21, 2013 -- Portland Police Bureau will donate approximately 100 bicycles to Alaffia's Bicycles for Education Project, which benefits youths in Togo, West Africa.
The event is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, in partnership with Whole Foods Market Hollywood, 4301 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
Community members may donate adult-sized bicycles in any condition at this location from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day. All donations are tax deductible.
"Portland is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States," said Assistant Police Chief Donna Henderson. "We felt that, in participating with Alaffia's Bicycles for Education program, we are sharing a part of Portland with children across the globe."
Henderson will speak at the Aug. 22 event along with Alaffia founder Olowo-n'djo Tchala.
Both the Village Bicycle Project and Alaffia's Bicycles for Education program provide much-needed transportation for students in Togo, West Africa. The donated bicycles are from the Portland Police Property and Evidence Division and are unclaimed or disposed-of property.
"Alaffia thanks Mayor Charlie Hales, the Portland Police Bureau, Whole Foods Markets, and the good people of Portland for this generous donation to our Bicycles for Education Project," said Lanessa Inman, Alaffia community project coordinator. "Our bike recipients have a 98 percent graduation rate. Because of Portland's contribution, more than 100 girls in Togo will be empowered with an opportunity for an education, which will provide a lasting impact on alleviating poverty in our communities in Togo. We are deeply grateful and look forward to working with Portland communities again in the future
Information about Alaffia's Bicycles for Education and other Community Empowerment Projects can be found at http://www.alaffia.com/bicycles.asp.
Public's Help Sought Locating Medically Fragile Woman
--UPDATE, 5 P.M.: Carolyn Graham was located safe and has returned home. --
THURSDAY, AUG. 15, 2013 – Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau's Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public's help in locating Carolyn Graham, 45, who went missing from her care facility in the 12500 block of Southeast Raymond Street on Tuesday afternoon.
Graham is her own legal guardian and is free to come and go from her residence. She is medically fragile and is considered a vulnerable adult.
Police were contacted after Graham failed to return home from a walk. Graham suffers from a medical condition which, if left untreated, could endanger her welfare.
She is described as a white female, 45 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 155 pounds, with dark blonde hair and green eyes. She might be wearing a light-colored hoodie jacket and jeans.
Anyone who knows of Graham's whereabouts is asked not to approach her, but to immediately call 911. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Mike Weinstein, at (503) 823-0446.
Venue Changed for Bargaining Session
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14, 2013 -- The next bargaining session between the city of Portland and the Portland Police Association – the union representing police officers – has been changed.
The bargaining talks are set for 8:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, in Room 2500 A, Second Floor, 1900 SW Fourth Ave., Portland.
Police Seek Help Locating Missing Man
--UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7: Mr. Rush was found and is safe --
TUESDAY, AUG. 6, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau's Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating a missing 62-year-old man from Downtown Portland.
Gene Calvin Rush was last seen at his residence in the 1300 block of Southwest Washington Street at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2. He has several medical conditions that, if left untreated, could endanger his life.
In the past, Rush has frequented inner-Northeast Portland along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from Fremont to Failing; and, the 47th Avenue and Prescott Street area.
He is described as an African American male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 176 pounds, with a mustache and "soul patch" below his lower lip. He uses a four-point walker and does not have the use of his right arm.
Anyone seeing him is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information is asked to contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Stats For Violent Crimes Continue To Stay Low
MONDAY, AUG. 5, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau released statistics today that illustrate that violent crime continues to remain at levels not seen since the mid to late-1960s.
Part I crimes are mostly violent crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson. Portland's crime rate per 1,000 population in 2012 was 58, which is consistent with the mid-1960s.
In analyzing the last 50 years, the lowest crimes were in the early 1960s and the highest in the late 1980s.
"Crime statistics are down, and that's to the credit of our Police Bureau and the community, working together for years and years, to change things for the better," said Mayor Charlie Hales. "That's part of the social contract we have between the police and the community. And it's proof that we're on the right track. Is there more to do? Obviously. Are we proud of these trends? Absolutely."
Despite the decline in violent crime, many people continue to perceive it as higher. A 2012 study by Portland State University found that Portlanders still have a perception that crime is rising, some due to their exposure of media.
"We are pleased that Part I crimes continue at low levels," Police Chief Michael Reese said. "We measure Part I crime as every city in the country does, but it doesn't illustrate the whole picture. Today, officers are spending more time on social disorder, including responding to people with mental health issues, including suicides. Officers are responding to people with addiction issues, homelessness and general services failure. Most of these incidents don't make the news like crime does."
Crime analysts suggest the decline in violent crime in Portland and across the nation can be attributed to many things, including: the fall in crack cocaine use; demographic shifts such as baby boomers aging; and better use of technology by police.
"Officers are doing great work out there," Reese said. "The examples of the community-police collaboration that has occurred at Albina and Killingsworth or 162nd and Burnside shows what kind of success we can have using this kind of approach. Its smarter policing and its working."
Despite the decline in Part I crimes, the Portland Police Bureau encourages community members to take measures to avoid becoming victims of crime. Police continue to warn the community not to leave valuables in their vehicles, lock-up bicycles, and ensure your home is secure, especially in Summer, where windows, doors and garages are often left open.
For downloadable crime prevention brochures, visit the Police Bureau's website: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/29869
For further information on crime prevention, visit the Office of Neighborhood Involvement at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/53530
Officer Injured With Flashbang Device
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013 – A member of the Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team was injured Wednesday morning during a training exercise.
The 23-year veteran of the bureau was holding a flashbang, or stun grenade, in his hand when it exploded, causing a non-life-threatening hand injury.
The officer was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment and was released later in the day.
A flashbang is a non-lethal exploding device designed to disorient people with a bright flash of light and a loud noise. Unlike fragmenting weapons such as grenades, flashbangs remain intact, containing most of the explosive force and avoiding shrapnel.
The name of the officer has not been released.
Police Seek Help in Case of Skateboard Attack
FRIDAY, July 19, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in a Downtown Portland assault.
At 2:30 p.m. Monday, Central Precinct officers responded to Southwest Third Avenue and Oak Street on the report of an assault outside the Portland Outdoor Store. Officers and medical personnel arrived and located the victim, Larry Allen, 70, suffering from a head injury. He was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment to the non-life-threatening injury.
Witnesses told police that a large group of transient "street kids" were involved in the assault of Allen, an employee of the Portland Outdoor Store. Witnesses told police the victim was hosing off the sidewalk when he was attacked.
Officers recovered a skateboard possibly used in the assault but have not identified the suspect.
Detectives believe that there may be several witnesses associated with the suspect that have not spoken to police.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 6-feet tall, thin build, light-colored eyes, and blond and brownish hair. At the time of the assault, the suspect was associated with a group of at least two other males and one female.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony. People leaving information may remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com , text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call (503) 823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Android.
Police Seek Man, 84, with Alzheimer's
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau is asking for the public's help in locating Ted Reich, 84, who suffers from Alzheimer's and is believed to be driving his wife's Mercedes SUV.
Reich was last seen at home, in the 4900 block of Southwest Hewett Boulevard, at approximately 11:30 a.m. today.
Reich's wife returned home from walking their dog and discovered that he and her car were missing. Reich reportedly has a history of wandering, but has not previously left in a vehicle.
Family members advised that Reich may try to get to the Multnomah Athletic Club in Downtown Portland; the Portland Yacht Club on Northeast Marine Drive; or the Bridgeport Pub on Northwest Marshall Street.
Reich is described as a white male, 84, six-feet-one, 165 pounds, with grey hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a red, zippered Patagonia sweater over a blue, short-sleeved, plaid shirt, khaki pants and tan-colored, Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes.
He is believed to be driving a silver, 2001 Mercedes ML320 sport utility vehicle, with Oregon vanity plates "GER."
Anyone who knows of Reich's whereabouts is asked to immediately call 911. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Mike Weinstein, Missing Persons Unit, at (503) 823-0446.
Police Seek Missing Woman, 25
--UPDATE -- Roseanna Jean Dickenson has been located safely and is no longer a missing person. --
MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating missing 25-year-old Roseanna Jean Dickenson.
Dickenson was last heard from on Friday and has not been in contact with family or friends since then, which is highly unusual behavior, according to family. She has no vehicle and is a frequent TriMet user. She is described as five feet, six inches tall, 120 pounds, with short red hair.
The photo being released is from 2011.
Anyone seeing Dickenson is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information is asked to call the Portland Police Bureau Missing Persons Unit at (503) 823-0400.
Police Seek Missing Man in Portland
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013 – The Portland Police Bureau's Missing Persons Unit is asking for the public's help in locating David John Alton, 42, of Northeast Portland.
David did not return home after work on Friday, June 28, and has not been in contact with family or friends. Detectives believe he may have some medical issues that, if left untreated, could endanger his health.
Alton is described as a white male, 5-feet 8-inches tall, 180 pounds, missing front teeth, and with a scar across the back of his head. It is unknown what clothing he might be wearing.
His vehicle has not been located and is a white 2001 Subaru Legacy four-door, Washington license plate 926TXW.
Anyone seeing Alton is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information is asked to contact Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081 or email@example.com.
Investigation Continues on I-5, I-84 Ramp Rollover
WEDNESSDAY, JUNE 19, 2013 – Portland Police have conducted a preliminary investigation into this morning's crash on Interstate 84 westbound to Interstate 5 northbound.
Investigators have determined that a 2009 Nissan Versa, driven by Jordan-Ashlee Sylvester of Portland, 22, was driving in the right lane of the ramp and switched to the left lane with the intent of continuing on I-5 northbound.
A 2010 Mack Tractor with a 53-foot cargo trailer, driven by 67-year-old David Lee Sitton of Arlington, Ore., was in the left lane when the Nissan Versa collided with the right front tire of the tractor, causing the Nissan to swerve to the right and hit the concrete barrier.
The tractor-trailer swerved to the left, rode up and over the 4-foot railing and drop 49 feet to the Union Pacific Railroad property below the freeway. The Union Pacific Railroad office building sustained some damage from the falling truck.
Sylvester was not injured during the crash. She remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. She was not impaired by drugs or alcohol. A passenger in her car was transported to a Portland hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sitton remains in a Portland hospital in serious condition. His family is requesting privacy at this time.
No citations have yet been issued and the case remains under investigation.
The tractor-trailer is owned by Walsh Trucking Co. in Troutdale.
Police Respond to 11 Gang-Related Shootings in 10 Days
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013 – In the past 10 days, Gang Enforcement Team investigators have responded to 11 gang-related shootings in Portland.
The Portland Police Bureau Gang Enforcement Team and Gun Task Force are continuing to investigate gang and gun crimes in the city. Anyone with information about gang and/or illegal gun crimes in the city is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau.
If you see an illegal gun crime in progress, call 911.
At 10:48 p.m. on Monday, June 17, North Precinct officers in the area of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mason Street heard several gunshots. Officers responded to the area and located a crime scene with evidence consistent with gunfire but did not locate any victims.
More than an hour later – at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18 – East Precinct officers responded to the report of several shots fired in the area of 160th Avenue and East Burnside Street. As officers arrived in the area, they were flagged down by a man who reported his car being struck by a bullet as he drove through the area. Officers do not believe that the man or the vehicle was the intended target of the shooting.
Both cases are being investigated by the Gang Enforcement Team. If you have any information about these or any other gang-related shootings, you are asked to call the Gang Enforcement Team at (503) 823-4106.
Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Android.
Gang Unit Arrests Portland Man for May 28 Shooting in Lents
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 – Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau's Gang Enforcement Team on Wednesday arrested Shawn Edward Mahan, 40, in connection with a shooting that occurred on Tuesday, May 28.
The investigation started when East Precinct officers were called to a residence in the 5900 block of Southeast 83rd Avenue on the report of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As officers were en route, the information changed to the victim being shot in the garage during a burglary.
Officers arrived and located the victim, Steven Michael Jones, 47, suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the left leg. Jones was transported to a Portland area hospital for treatment.
Officers learned that the victim and suspect, Shawn Mahan, knew each other and that the shooting occurred during a dispute over property at the residence where they both lived.
Based on information that the suspect may be associated with a white supremacy gang, the Gang Enforcement Team responded to continue the investigation.
At approximately 8:41 p.m., Wednesday, officers located and arrested Mahan while he was walking on Southeast Harold Street, near 66th Avenue. Mahan was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest.
Mahan was charged with Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was booked into the Multnomah County Jail.
PortlandTeen Treated and Released After Accidental Shooting
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013 – The man who fired a rifle last night that injured a 17-year-old girl has been identified as Christopher Morris.
Morris, 52, was interviewed by Portland Police detectives and has cooperated in the investigation. He has not been charged at this time and the case will be forwarded to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office for their consideration.
The 17-year-old girl was treated and released from a Portland area hospital. She is not being identified publically.
On Wednesday, officers interviewed Morris at a residence on the 1200 block of Southeast 130th Avenue. Morris said he was cleaning his lever-action rifle when the gun discharged. The bullet traveled through the wall and struck the girl in a neighboring unit.
Police Investigate Armed Robbery on MLKJ
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 – North Precinct officers responded at 12:50 p.m. today to the report of an armed robbery at Walgreens,6116 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Employees told police that the suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect ran out of the store without obtaining any money and was last seen running eastbound on Northeast Holman Street.
Officers checked the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.
The suspect is described as an African-American male in his 20s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, round face, wearing black clothes and a baseball cap.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
Police Seek Missing Woman
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 –Jacqueline McLain, 71, was reported missing Thursday by her adult children, who are out-of-state.
McLain has not been seen or heard from since Monday, May 20, which is described as being highly out of character for her, as she usually has daily contact with family members.
McLain lives in the 2400 block ofNorthwest Irving Street, where Portland Central Precinct officers responded today to check her welfare. They did not locate her, and found no evidence of foul play inside her apartment. It is unknown if she left home on foot, or may have last been driving, as officers were unable to locate her car in the neighborhood.
McLain is described as a white female, 71 years old, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 120 pounds, with curly, collar-length blonde hair and blue eyes. No clothing description is available. Family members advised she also may go by the first name Evelyn.
McLain's vehicle is a 1997 Lexus ES300 4-door sedan, beige, with a beige interior. It may have a GPS unit affixed to the front windshield. No license plate information is available at this time, other than it hadOregonplates.
Anyone with information about McLain's current whereabouts is asked to call 911. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Mike Weinstein, Missing Persons Unit, at (503) 823-0446 or email@example.com.
Police Find Endangered 17-Year-Old
Gabe Kearns has been safely located and is no longer considered missing. The Police Bureau and the family would like to thank the public for their interest in this case.
Portland Police are still seeking the public's help in locating missing 17-year-old Gabe Kearns. A photo of a jacket Gabe is believed to be wearing is being released to assist people in locating Gabe.
Gabe is familiar with Northwest Portland and may be in that area.
Anyone seeing Gabriel is asked to call 9-1-1. Anyone with non-emergency information can call Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 – Missing Persons Unit detectives are asking for the public's help in locating a missing and endangered 17-year-old boy from Northeast Portland's Irvington neighborhood.
Gabriel Artoum Kearns is described as 5-feet-6, 120 pounds, with short blonde hair, last seen wearing a bright purple and green Nike running jacket, blue jeans and blue Nike shoes. The photo being released was taken two weeks ago.
Gabriel left his home this morning at approximately 10:45 a.m. without saying anything to his family. Gabriel does not attend school and is familiar with TriMet.
Due to some medical history, Gabriel is considered endangered. Portland Police would like the public's assistance in locating him safely.
Anyone seeing Gabriel is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information can call Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081.
Police Investigate Separate Armed Robberies
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a pair of armed robberies today.
Police responded at 8:54 a.m. today to the report of an armed robbery at the Division Market, 2404 S.E. 79th Ave.
The victim at the store said the suspect entered the market armed with a handgun and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the store.
Officers searched the neighborhood using a canine unit but did not locate anyone matching the suspect's description.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5-feet-10, 180 pounds, blonde or brown hair, wearing a bandana covering his face, baseball cap, dark-colored jacket and blue jeans.
Robbery detectives have not determined if this suspect was involved in a series of the armed robberies on Wednesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, North Precinct officers responded at approximately 1:46 p.m. to the Layu Cateca Store, 4620 N.E. Cully Blvd., on the report of an armed robbery.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted the victim at the store. The victim told police that two men entered the store and demanded money. One of the men was armed with a handgun. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspects ran from the store and were last seen running southbound onCully Boulevard.
Officers, including a police canine unit, searched the neighborhood but did not locate the suspects.
The suspects are described as African American males in their 20s, wearing all gray clothing. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun.
Anyone with information about either robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a shooting in the 4500 block ofNortheast 60th Avenue.
Police from the North Precinct Police and Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded at 2:23 a.m. They located two victims of gunfire.
Anton Lashawn Hill, 33, was deceased at the scene. The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy this morning and has determined that Hill died of a gunshot wound to the head.
The other victim, a 21-year-old female, remains in a Portland hospital and is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Her name is not being released at this time.
No arrests have been made and detectives are continuing to investigate.
Northeast 60th Avenue, just North of Prescott Street, was closed to traffic for a portion of this morning.
Police Seek Public Help in Locating Murder Suspect
The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted murder suspect.
Lonnell Demarcus George, 23, is the subject of a murder warrant in connection with the March 27 homicide of Edward Jewell Paden Jr., 18. The homicide occurred at Northeast 60th Avenue and Killingsworth Street in the Cully neighborhood.
George has a history of firearms offenses and gang activity. Detectives consider him to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone seeing George is asked not to approach him but to immediately call 911.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony. Participants can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com , text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call (503) 823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
'Stranger Danger' Alert in Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 – Portland Police responded Tuesday to the report of suspicious activity in the Sellwood-Moreland area of Southeast 18th Avenue and Rex Street, on reports of stranger who approached a young child.
Police would like to hear from anyone with information about this person or any similar occurrences in Portland.
At approximately 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, officers received a call regarding a "creepy" man driving a silver four-door sedan. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle. A caller reported that his 11-year-old daughter was playing at the intersection of 18th and Rex when a stranger approached her at the corner.
Officers spoke to the girl, who said she was outside playing when a stranger parked his car facing westbound on the corner of 18th and Rex and got out of his vehicle. The girl said he walked towards her and asked her how old she was and what her name was. She ran away and told her father.
She described the man as a white male in his 30s, short brown hair, no facial hair or glasses, wearing jeans and a T-shirt. She described the car as a silver or gray four-door sedan and that the man was alone in the vehicle.
Anyone with information can send it to email@example.com, reference Portland Police Bureau Case No. 13-32378.
Child Abuse Case at Zoo – Woman Identified
Friday, April 12, 2013 – Portland Police Child Abuse Team investigators have identified the woman and child involved in the incident Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo after numerous tips from the public.
Police yesterday released information and a still photo, taken from a surveillance video, of a woman and a child, approximately age 3, at the zoo. Witnesses said the woman had hit and kicked the child.
The Canby Police Department, Oregon Department of Human Services and the Clackamas County Child Protective Service have worked in conjunction with the Portland Police Bureau and the case now rests with the Department of Human Services for follow-up.
The Portland Police Bureau would like to thank the public and media for interest in this case and cannot comment further as it is an ongoing, confidential investigation.
Multnomah County residents who want to report non-emergency information regarding child abuse are encouraged to call the Child Abuse Hotline at (503) 731-3100. Emergency situations should be called in to 911.
Burglars Hit Businesses on Barbur
FRIDAY, April 12, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a commercial burglary on Barbur Boulevard.
At approximately 6:20 a.m. today, Portland Police officers were flagged down at 10075 S.W. Barbur Blvd.on the report of a burglary at the Springdale Cleaners. Officers contacted owner Peter Kim, who told police that he arrived for work to find a hole in an interior wall of his business. Officers checked the location, which is a complex of several businesses, and found that a total of four locations had been broken into.
Officers determined that someone broke into a vacant business through a door, then broke through an interior wall to a neighboring business that appeared to be moving out, then through another wall to Springdale Cleaners, and finally through an unlocked interior door to Supercuts.
Investigators determined that an unknown amount of money was taken from Supercuts.
There is no surveillance video of the burglary. Police have no suspect information and investigators are asking the public for assistance. Tips can be sent via email to email@example.com
Police seek to ID woman abusing child at zoo
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – Portland Police responded to the Oregon Zoo at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday on the report of a woman kicking, slapping and pushing her child.
Officers arrived and spoke with the caller who told police that she was in the zoo, near the penguin exhibit, when she observed a woman in her mid-20s yelling profanities at a small child, then kick the child in the side, knocking her to the ground. The witness told police that the child, a girl about age 3, got up and walked towards a bench crying.
The witness told police that the woman followed the child and hit her on the side of the head, knocking her to the ground again.
The witness told police that she confronted the woman, who replied using obscenities then walked towards the zoo exit. The witness told police that as the woman walked away, she pushed the child into a cement wall.
Oregon Zoo security was notified but was unable to locate the woman and child. However, security personnel did retrieve surveillance video capturing images of the woman and little girl leaving the zoo, along with another child and an adult woman.
The woman is described as a white in her mid-20s, 5-feet-6-inches tall, 160 pounds, blonde hair, wearing a dark-colored puffy jacket and dark-colored pants. The victim is approximately 3, wearing a purple jacket and pink pants.
The Portland Police Bureau Child Abuse Team is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the woman and the child as part of a child abuse investigation.
Anyone with information on the identity of these people should call the Child Abuse Team at (503) 823-0090.
Portland man charged with harassing families of Colorado mass shooting
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 – Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau today arrested Kevin Michael Purfield, 45, of Northeast Portland in connection with multiple harassing phone calls and contacts to families of shooting victims from the July 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colo.
Detectives were contacted in late February by the Aurora Police Department and asked to assist in an investigation into unwanted phone calls and contact by Purfield. He reportedly emailed, called and used social media to contact various family members of victims of the theater shooting. None of the contacts were threatening, police said, but were unwanted and annoying, and Purfield allegedly used vile language.
Based on this information, detectives arrested Purfield without incident at Northeast 102nd Avenue and Halsey, near the Gateway Fred Meyer store.
Purfield was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on five counts of telephonic harassment and one count of stalking. Stalking is a Class A Misdemeanor and telephonic harassment is a Class B Misdemeanor.
Bail is set at $10,000.
Purfield will be arraigned in Multnomah County court on Thursday.
'Routine' Traffic Stop Isn't Routine At All
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013 --The Oregonian's Tom Hallman on a Wednesday-evening traffic stop by Portland Police, which ended badly for the suspect:
Sketches released on assault suspect
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2013 – Portland Police detectives would like help identifying a suspect in an assault that occurred at around 12:10 a.m.on Tuesday, March 26.
A woman was walking on the north sidewalk of North Larabee Street toward North Interstate when a man approached her and asked for money and food. According to the victim, the man allegedly pushed the woman down, threatened to sexually assault her and punched her in the face.
The man allegedly acted as if he had gun in his pocket, detectives said.
The woman defended herself and the man ran off.
The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic or Pacific Islander, in this 30s, about 5-feet-5 and approximately 170 to 180 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing a white sweatshirt and black pants. The suspect is balding or has a shaved head in the back with a quarter-inch strap of hair behind his ears pulled into a 4- to 5-inch braid with curled hair on the bottom.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Jason Christensen at (503) 823-0894.
The victim in this case is not available for interviews.
Police Provide Report on Officer-Involved Shooting
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau is releasing all the investigative reports associated with the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 17, 2013, involving Merle Mikal Hatch, following the conclusion of the recent grand jury on this case.
The files can be found at:
As with all officer-involved shootings, the review will continue through the Bureau's Use of Force Review Board, which reviews policies and training in regard to this shooting.
Terrorism Task Force Report Goes to Council
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 – The Joint Terrorism Task Force Report has been compiled and will go before the Portland City Council at 9:30 a.m. March 27.
The document is designed to report on this year's cooperation between the Portland Police Bureau and the FBI on the task force.
For further information: Chad Stover, policy assistant to Mayor Hales, (503) 823-4027.
February 19, 2013
TO: Mayor Charlie Hales
Commissioner Dan Saltzman
Commissioner Nick Fish
Commissioner Amanda Fritz
Commissioner Steve Novick
SUBJ: Annual JTTF Report per Resolution 36859
The City passed a Resolution in April, 2011 regarding the Portland Police Bureau cooperation with the FBI for the purpose of combating terrorism. As part of that Resolution, the City asked the Police Chief to each year provide a report "with appropriate public information to the City Council and public on the bureau's work with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), including any issues related to compliance withOregonlaws."
So that Council members have knowledge of the relevant provisions of the Resolution, I have listed the specifics of the Resolution below and provided responses on how we have addressed its provisions.
- 1. BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the policy of the City simultaneously to help prevent and investigate acts of terrorism, protect civil rights and civil liberties under United States and Oregon law, and promote Portland as an open and inclusive community;
The Portland Police Bureau is committed to a model of community policing in which a positive connection between the police and the community contributes to the well being of our City. Our mission statement includes a goal of working with all citizens to maintain human rights. In keeping with our mission and the City's Resolution, we have implemented policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms that enable us to effectively investigate terrorist threats, protect civil rights and civil liberties, and promote an open and inclusive community.
- 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Police Chief shall regularly consult with the FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) to determine which aspects of JTTF work could benefit from PPB participation and whether there are PPB resources available to be allocated;
Since the passage of the City's Resolution, I have conferred on several occasions with the FBI SAC about terrorism investigations and threats from terrorism. In order to have an accurate sense of resources that might be available to work with the JTTF, I confer as needed with the lieutenant of the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) or the Assistant Chief of Investigations to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained between the local staffing needs of his unit and our work with JTTF.
Regarding the substance of each request, I personally reviewed case-by-case, every request by the FBI SAC for the use ofPortlandresources. For each request I asked questions to ensure that the bureau's involvement in those inquiries would follow the Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw. And, for each inquiry from the FBI, I received notice of each request, and reviewed it to determine if the request complies with the City's policies and Oregon law, the scope of the request and its impact on other bureau priorities/officer workload, the stage of investigation, topic/subject matter of each request, and if the topic had a "criminal nexus" to terrorism as defined in USC 18 USC Sec. 2331 (01/07/2011) (listed below).
For each request, I shared relevant information with the Commissioner-in-Charge. After I conferred with the Commissioner-in-Charge, I then made my own independent analysis required under Resolution 36859 to determine that all aspects of our work with JTTF conformed to Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw.
- 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED. the Police Chief may assign PPB officers to work with the JTTF on an as-needed basis as determined by the Police Chief in consultation with the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB;
In consultation with the Commissioner-in-Charge, I decided that CIU was the best unit to be prepared to provide resources if requested. I asked the Lieutenant of CIU to identify two officers who could be assigned to JTTF if needed. I limited the number of officers eligible to work with the JTTF in order to ensure effective oversight and consistency with the City's Resolution.
I know that some of the public has a keen interest in knowing the details of our work with the JTTF. We have committed a very limited amount of bureau resources to JTTF work, so disclosure of the number of cases or hours worked may compromise ongoing investigations and reveal the operational tempo of our work on terrorism. But I can affirm that we have worked with the JTTF at their request on at least one case of domestic terrorism investigation.
- 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED. In addition to regular briefings. and the Police Chief's participation in JTTF Executive Committee meetings, bureau officers shall work with the JTTF only on investigations of suspected terrorism that have a criminal nexus; in situations where the statutory or common law of Oregon is more restrictive of law enforcement than comparable federal law. the investigative methods employed by bureau officers working on JTTF investigations shall conform to the requirements of such Oregon statutes or common law;
The bureau confirms that officers have only worked on investigations of suspected terrorism that had a criminal nexus and that their investigative methods have complied withOregonlaw.
The City Attorney explained during last year's report that the "criminal nexus" requirement was intended to identify the subject matter on which officers are allowed to work with the JTTF. Specifically, when officers work on JTTF terrorism investigations, the federal government defines terrorism as follows under: 18 USC Sec. 2331 (01/07/20 II), which states:
(1) The term "international terrorism" means activities that:
(A) Involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of theUnited Statesor of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of theUnited Statesor of any State;
(B) Appear to be intended:
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of theUnited States, or transcend national boundaries in terms of the means by which they are accomplished, the persons they appear intended to intimidate or coerce, or the locale in which their perpetrators operate or seek asylum;
(2) the term "national of theUnited States" has the meaning given such term in section 10 1 (a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act;
(3) the term "person" means any individual or entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property;
(4) the term "act of war" means any act occurring in the course of-
(A) declared war;
(B) armed conflict, whether or not war has been declared, between two or more nations; or
(C) armed conflict between military forces of any origin; and
(5) the term "domestic terrorism" means activities that:
(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of theUnited Statesor of any State;
(B) appear to be intended:
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of theUnited States.
I have directed the Assistant Chief of Investigations and the CIU Lieutenant to attend JTTF Executive Committee meetings along with me or in my place when I am absent so that I have several perspectives on our work with the JTTF. Using this strategy, I can be confident that when officers work on JTTF investigations, they are only allowed to work on investigations related to terrorism as defined in federal criminal law and that their investigative methods meet the requirements of Oregon law.
- 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the PPB officers who work with the JTTF shall notify the FBI SAC and Police Chief if ever the work PPB officers are asked to do would be a potential violation or violation of ORS 181.575 or ORS 181.850 and the Police Chief shall immediately report any actual violation to the Commissioner-in-Charge of the PPB;
I have implemented strong, multi-level, and redundant oversight of officers who work with the JTTF. The two officers who were chosen to work with the JTTF have received training and guidance about the limitations inOregonlaw concerning information gathering (ORS 181.575) and immigration investigations (ORS 181.850) from the City Attorney, the CIU lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, and me.
In order to provide oversight, the CIU Lieutenant is involved in the day to day management of these officers' activities. The Assistant Chief of Investigations meets regularly with the CIU lieutenant to receive up to date reports. And I meet regularly with the Assistant Chief and the CIU lieutenant to review any work we do with the JTTF to ensure it is compliant withOregonlaw, the City's Resolution, and PPB's policies and procedures.
Officers who work with the JTTF are aware that they should report directly to the FBI SAC and I if ever the work bureau officers are asked to do would be a potential violation or violation ofOregonlaw.
I have requested the City Attorney to independently question the officers who have worked with the JTTF to verify whether there have been any violations of Resolution 36859 orOregonlaw. I received an independent evaluation report from the Office of the City Attorney thatPortlandis in compliance with Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw.
As a result of this oversight, the officers have not engaged in any violations ofOregonlaw nor has any officer reported any potential or actual violations ofOregonlaw to me, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, or the CIU Lieutenant.
- 6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PPB officers working with the JTTF shall seek legal advice from the City Attorney whenever the officer has any question about the application of Oregon law, including ORS 181.575 and ORS 181.850, or this Resolution to their work with the JTTF. Any consultation with the City Attorney will be undertaken consistent with the requirements for the handling of classified information and with the other legal restrictions on the dissemination of information. 1n the event disclosure of classified information is necessary for the City Attorney to provide appropriate advice, the Police Chief shall request the FB1 SAC to authorize the City Attorney to receive such information pursuant to a non-disclosure agreement. If the City Attorney cannot obtain the necessary authorization to provide legal advice, the City Attorney shall notify the Police Chief and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB;
A Senior Deputy City Attorney who has provided legal advice to the Police Bureau for over fifteen years has reported to me that the police bureau is in full compliance withOregonlaw and the City's Resolution regarding JTTF. He has met individually with all CIU members identified as eligible to work with the JTTF as well as the lieutenant of CIU to ensure that they are familiar with the application ofOregonlaw, includingOregon's limitations concerning the collection and retention of information about a person's political, religious, and social affiliations. The officers have been able to freely share information and seek advice from the City Attorney. The City Attorney has met with them separately and alone so that they could voice any and all concerns.
The FBI has not asked the City Attorney to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and the attorney reports that he has received unfettered access to ample information from the officers and their lieutenant in order to assess compliance withOregonlaw and this Resolution.
- 7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Police Chief may assign PPB officers to work on JTTF investigations that comply with the requirements stated above regardless of whether or not the investigation is based in the City of Portland. On those occasions, all the terms of the resolution apply, including that the PPB officer's investigative methods must still conform to Oregon law;
This year, I assigned officers to work on a JTTF investigation outside the City ofPortland, after consultation with the Commissioner-in-charge.
- 8. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to ensure access to information necessary to manage and supervise PPB officers, the Police Chief will seek clearance at the Top Secret/Secure Compartmentalized Information level, and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB will seek clearance at the Secret level;
The FBI defines a Secret clearance as "generally the most appropriate security clearance for state and local law enforcement officials that do not routinely work in an FBI Task Force or in a FBI facility." The FBI explains a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance as "this type clearance may be granted to those persons who need unescorted access to FBI facilities and will most often be appropriate for law enforcement officers assigned to FBI Task Forces housed in FBI facilities."
I have been granted a "Secret" level clearance. My officers are not seeking TS/SCI clearance and I will not need clearance above the "Secret" level to manage their work with the JTTF.
When the Resolution was passed, we anticipated that the FBI would require any of our officers who worked with the JTTF to have TS/SCI clearance. After the adoption of the Resolution, the FBI informed us that PPB officers who work with the JTTF would not be required to possess Top Secret clearance because they would have no need to access FBI facilities unescorted or obtain access to informant source information. The SAC and I decided that Secret level clearance for the two officers whom I identified as eligible to work with the JTTF would be sufficient, based on Portland's current participation in the JTTF.
The Assistant Chief of Investigations, the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Unit, and two assigned officers all currently have "Secret" level security clearances.
- 9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City understands that the FBI SAC or designee needs the ability to direct the operational and day-to-day work of PPB officers who work with the JTTF. However, at all times, PPB officers who work with the JTTF remain in the chain of command and under the formal supervision of PPB;
The bureau officers who work with the JTTF have remained in the bureau chain of command and their work is overseen by bureau supervisors, including a lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, and myself. The lieutenant holds regular meetings with the assigned officers to inquire about the subject matter of investigations, monitor the investigative methods being employed, and verify that the work performed meets federal, state, and city requirements. And the Assistant Chief and I hold regular meetings with the lieutenant.
10.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council directs the Police Chief and Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB to request regular briefings from the FBI SAC, at least twice a year, on the work of the JTTF so that the Police Chief and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB will be familiar with terrorist threats in the Portland area and will, therefore, be better able to manage local public safety issues;
Since the passage of the City's Resolution, I have conferred on several occasions with the SAC about threats from terrorism and terrorism investigations. I receive regular briefings a few times a year on the work of the JTTF.
The Commissioner-in-Charge met with the FBI/SAC on February 14, 2013.
11.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Chief will assign a PPB supervisor to the JTTF at any time that a PPB officer is assigned to JTTF work;
I assigned a CIU lieutenant to oversee the two officers identified as eligible to work with the JTTF. The lieutenant has regular meeting with the JTTF supervisor and attends JTTF Executive Committee meetings. Any time these officers have been assigned to JTTF work, the lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations and I have actively supervised their work.
12.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, PPB officers assigned to the JTTF shall attend annual training, to be conducted by the Office of the City Attorney, to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal law;
The bureau is in compliance with this provision. The Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of the Investigations, Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Unit, and two assigned officers have all received required trainings.
In May of 2011, in January 2012, and January 2013, the City Attorney's office had an in-service training for all CIU members identified as eligible to work with the JTTF as needed. The City Attorney trained officers about the provisions of the Resolution, ORS 181.575, ORS 181.850 andOregonlaws that are more restrictive of law enforcement investigative methods than comparable federal law. The training includes instruction on the FBI Guidelines and how Resolution 36859 orOregonlaw are different from the FBI Guidelines.
13.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Portland Police Bureau shall adopt publicly available administrative policies and procedures consistent with this Resolution.
The bureau has implemented this provision. The Police Bureau refers to its administrative policies and procedures as "directives". Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are unit-specific directives. On July 22, 2011, the bureau adopted Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) CIV #23.
Chief of Police
Police handle three major cases in one week
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 – Portland Police conducted an array of unusual investigations this week.
• A homicide on Southwest Dolph Courtled to the Tuesday arrest of three men. Detectives – assisted by the U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force and the Portland Police Bureau Special Emergency Reaction Team – arrested Mahmoud Moustafa, 20, Hussein Ali Haidar, 21, and Omar Ibrahim, 18, on a variety of charges.
As part of the investigation, search warrants were served at two locations Tuesday: 4735 S.W. Luradel St. No. 20; and10620 S.W. 49th Ave.
This investigation started on Saturday March 9, when Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Southwest Dolph Court on the report of a disturbance and assault. Officers found Charles Anthony Weber, 25, deceased. The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that Weber died of head injuries.
During the investigation, detectives obtained information leading to the arrest of the three suspects on Tuesday evening.
Moustafa and Haidar were charged with aggravated murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon. Ibrahim was charged with murder and first-degree robbery.
All three suspects were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on Wednesday and will be arraigned today.
• At approximately 9:15 p.m., Wednesday,East Precinct officers responded to the report of an armed carjacking in the parking lot of the Gateway Fred Meyer store,1111 N.E. 102nd Ave.
Two victims told police that they just parked their car in the west parking lot of Fred Meyer, facing Northeast 99th Avenue. The male victim, who was the driver, got out of the car and saw two men armed with handguns approach. One suspect approached the driver and demanded his possessions. The victim gave the suspect his keys, phone and an undisclosed amount of money.
The second suspect approached the female passenger and pulled her out of the car. Both suspects got into the car and left the area, last seen driving southbound on Northeast 99th Avenue.
Neither victim was injured during the robbery.
One suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s, 5-feet-8, 235 pounds, short black hair, some facial hair, wearing dark clothes. The other suspect is described as a light-skinned African-American male in his late 20s, 5-feet-8, 140 to 150 pounds, wearing dark clothes.
The vehicle is a 2012 Honda Civic 2-Door, black in color, with Oregon license plate CU27516. Anyone seeing the vehicle is advised not to approach it and to call 911.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
• Detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Sex Crimes Unit on Wednesday arrested Marlin Brandt Pohlman, 43, for multiple sex crimes. Pohlman was arrested at Portland International Airport after returning fromThailand.
Detectives believe that Pohlman was drugging women he knew and sexually assaulting them. Detectives have identified and interviewed four women allegedly victimized by Pohlman.
Detectives served a search warrant at Pohlman's home, on the 7100 block of North Chase Avenue. During the search, detectives located a possible drug lab. Investigators from the Drugs and Vice Division have processed the possible drug lab and seized evidence.
Pohlman was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on two charges of first-degree kidnapping; two counts of first-degree rape; three counts of first-degree sex abuse; four charges of causing someone to ingest a controlled substance; four counts of third-degree assault; two counts of first-degree attempted rape; third-degree sodomy; four counts of reckless endangerment; and four counts of harassment.
Bail is set at more than $2 million. Pohlman will be arraigned today and additional charges are possible.
Detectives are concerned that there may be additional victims and would like to hear from anyone with information about Pohlman. People with information should contact Detective Tracy Chamberlin at (503) 823-0400 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Investigation continues on Dolph Court homicide
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013 – Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a Southwest Portland man, discovered on Saturday morning. The victim has been identified as Charles Anthony Weber, 25, who resided at 2205 S.W. Dolph Court.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy Sunday and found that Weber died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Detectives want to hear from anyone with information about this incident. People with information can contact Detective Kristina Coffey at (503) 823-0696 or email@example.com.
In the initial report,Portland police said officers assigned to Central Precinct responded at 1:06 a.m., Saturday March 9, to a residence in the 2200 block of Southwest Dolph Courton the report of a disturbance and assault. Officers arrived and attempted to contact people inside the residence in question. When officers went inside, they found Weber deceased.
Police Continue Investigation of Monday Night Shooting
--UPDATE, 8:48 a.m. Wednesday--
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013 – The Portland Police officers involved in a fatal shooting Monday night have been identified as Officer Brad Kula, a 10-year-veteran, and Officer Michele Boer, a four-year-veteran.
Santiago A. Cisneros III, 32, fired a shotgun at the officers, who returned fire. Cisneros was hit and was transported to a Portland hospital where he died.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Cisneros Tuesday. Details of the autopsy have not been released.
Anyone with information about this shooting or about Santiago Cisneros is asked to contact Detectives Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457 or Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991.
Members of the mayor's staff were on scene Monday night during the post-shooting investigation. Mayor Charlie Hales and members of his staff were briefed Tuesday morning by police officials.
Mayor Hales did not release a statement Tuesday regarding the shooting or ongoing investigation, other than to express relief that the officers involved were not injured.
A preliminary investigation suggests that, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Officers Kula and Boer, in separate cars, drove up onto the top level of a parking garage located at Seventh and Lloyd. The officers were immediately confronted by Cisneros, who was armed with a shotgun. Within seconds, shots were fired.
Cisneros fired multiple shots from his shotgun. Both officers returned fire, striking him and knocking him to the ground.
Neither officer was hit by gunfire during the shooting.
More officers and a sergeant arrived and developed a plan to safely approach the suspect and get him medical attention. Officers grabbed a shield to approach Cisneros, who was lying on the ground, still moving, next to his shotgun. Officers approached him and placed him into custody. Medical personnel immediately responded and transported him to a Portland hospital, where he died.
Officers Kula and Boer are assigned to North Precinct afternoon shift. Their interviews are scheduled for Thursday. Per policy, both officers will remain on paid administrative leave until the completion of the grand jury, which has not yet been scheduled by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
Representatives from the chief's office, mayor's office, Training Division, Internal Affairs Division, Office of Independent Police Review, Traumatic Incident Committee and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office all responded to the scene, as is standard protocol in any officer-involved shooting investigation and have been briefed on the investigation.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
U.S. Marshal's Service, Police make arrest near airport
THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2013 – The Portland Police Special Emergency Reaction Team, or SERT, responded in the early hours Thursday to the Travelodge Portland Airport hotel,3848 N.W. 82nd Ave., on the report of a possibly armed man refusing to leave a motel room.
Portland Police officers assigned to East Precinct assisted the U.S.Marshals Fugitive Task Force with locating a wanted subject, 34-year-old James David Tautfest at the Travelodge Motel.
Tautfest was wanted out of Washington State for identity theft, forgery, theft and possession of a control substance. The Fugitive Task Force had information Tautfest was staying at the Travelodge with his 15-year-old runaway sister.
U.S.Marshals entered the Travelodge while Portland Police officers established a perimeter around the hotel. Tautfest barricaded himself inside the apartment with his sister and claimed to be armed.
SERT officers were activated along with the Portland Police Bureau's Crisis Negotiation Team, and the hotel was evacuated.
Shortly after SERT and negotiators arrived at the scene, Tautfest released his sister but refused to come out.
During the standoff, Tautfest, who police say was high on methamphetamine, kicked a hole in the hotel wall, entered an adjacent attic, crashed through the floor and entered the weight room below. He then climbed back through the floor and crawled back into the room.
Negotiators made a phone call into the room and spoke to Tautfest for approximately two hours. Negotiations with Tautfest stalled so SERT deployed tear gas into the hotel room.
Tautfest eventually gave up and was taken into custody without incident. The hotel room was thoroughly searched but no firearm was found.
Tautfest was transported to the Multnomah County Jail and lodged on his warrants.