Bullets flew on NE 95th Avenue, just south of NE Sandy Blvd. Find out why the area was shut down for hours, and see exclusive photos of this week’s frightening mid-day event, right here …

NE Sandy Blvd. is shut down for blocks while Portland Police Bureau’s SERT squad moves in to give a hand to US Marshals to apprehend a suspected gunslinger, in Parkrose.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Shots rang out at a low-income housing apartment building in the far southwest corner of the Parkrose Neighborhood on August 27.

From the media vantage point far back in the MAX Park-and-Ride Station on NE Sandy Blvd., about 1:00 p.m., we could see six individuals sitting on the ground, opposite of the target apartment building.

Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) officers suited up, and moved in, to clear an apartment of potentially lurking individuals or weapons.

Using great caution, SERT officers prepare to enter the apartment from where a suspected gunman opened fire on US Marshal’s Service agents.

“At 12:13 p.m., U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) personnel were assisting members of the Vancouver Safe Streets Task Force and the Vancouver Police Department Career Criminal Apprehension Team (CCAT) in locating and apprehending a wanted subject at a residence near the 4600 block of NE 95th Avenue,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Lt. Kelli Sheffer, at the scene.

Peering around the corner, officers check on the situation, and keep residents and pedestrians back from the corner of the building.

Hunting down a suspected attempted murderer
Later, we learned from Eric Wahlstrom, spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force, that the CCAT was in Parkrose because they had “probable cause” for arresting a man they identified as 23 year-old Adam Berndt for attempted murder, after he was identified as being the shooter in an August 25^th incident.

“That shooting incident occurred in Clark County, Washington, where the victim was shot five times, and is in critical condition,” stated Wahlstrom.

Further, Wahlstrom went on, Berndt was wanted for Parole Violation (original charge: Escape) by the Washington State Department of Corrections, and has a criminal history including Assault II.

“While attempting to arrest the wanted subject,” Wahlstrom related, “Berndt exited the front of the residence and began firing shots toward USMS personnel. USMS personnel returned fire, striking the subject multiple times. [Portland Police Bureau’s] SERT responded, along with several uniformed officers, to secure the scene ,until it was safe for residents to return to their homes.”

Later in the day, Lt. Sheffer said that Berndt was was still in critical but stable condition.

Police detained these individuals, said to have been in apartment for questioning, but were later released.

“There are no other arrests associated with this shooting at this time,” Sheffer added. “Persons inside the residence from which Berndt exited were detained until investigators had a chance to speak with them and were then released. The Portland Police Bureau will continue this investigation.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why this alert driver – although scared out of his wits – made the right move with his phone, when a thug flashed a gun on a sunny Sunday afternoon. At last, the story can be told  …

Officials accuse this man, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, of four Class A felonies, in addition to numerous charges. (Photo courtesy of Multnomah County Department of Corrections)

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The call of a frightened driver to the 9-1-1 Center – placed on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses – might possibly have saved that witness’s life – and certainly prevented another armed robbery from taking place, on Sunday, August 15.

“The call came in 2:11 p.m.,” said Portland Police Bureau (PPB) spokesperson Sgt. Pete Simpson. “The caller reported that a male, in a burgundy Jeep Cherokee, flashed a gun at him, and then pulled into the 7-11 convenience store at SE 82nd Avenue and Flavel Street.”

PPB East Precinct officers made a beeline for the intersection. “They contacted several occupants in the Jeep,” Simpson continued, “and recovered a handgun from the Jeep.”

Witnesses speculate whether or not the suspects picked up at this stop were planning to move on and rob yet another 7-11 Store. Check out the “key” in the Jeep’s ignition!

After allegedly sticking up this Powellhurst-Gilbert 7-11 Store, the crime crew appeared to be heading for another target – one in inner SE Portland.

Drawing on their investigative resources, officers linked the Jeep’s crew with a stick-up at an outer East Portland convenience store earlier in the day, Simpson revealed. “It looked as if at least one of the suspects may have been involved in an armed robbery at the 7-11 Store at SE 112th Ave. and SE Powell Blvd.”

Officials accuse this man, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, of four Class A felonies, in addition to numerous charges. MCDC photo

The suspect, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, was charged with four (4) counts of Robbery in the First Degree [a Class A felony], four counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to MCDC records.

With a combined bail amount of $2 Million, Cerillo-Alvarez continues to be lodged in the Multnomah County Jail.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Sometimes police ‘catch a lucky break’. Find out why the cops’ commander said this arrest was the result of ‘simply, great police work’ …

This is the adult store police say was robbed, early on a Saturday Morning.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When the 5 ft. 10 in. tall, 170 lb man came strolling into the Fantasyland Video Store, just north of SE 52^nd Avenue on SE Foster Road, at 6:00 a.m. in the morning of August 7, he wasn’t looking to check out adult entertainment.

Instead, the man’s early Saturday morning foray included the alleged assault of an employee, and snatching the store’s cash before riding off into the sunrise.

“It helped that our police offers got a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle,” said Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Bill Walker about the case.

“From there on, officers demonstrated great police work,” Walker continued. “For instance, the license plate number given them wasn’t quite right; it didn’t come up. An officer kept running similar plate numbers, and finally pulled the registration of a vehicle that matched the description, at an address on the 3500 block of SE Kelly Street.”

At that location, in the neighborhood north and west of SE 39^th Ave. and Powell Blvd., a non-English speaking neighbor communicated that he saw a man, matching the suspect’s description, running from the area.

“There was a short foot pursuit,” Walker revealed.

A Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit happened to be nearby, heard the call, and also headed to the location. With the help of the WCSO K-9 unit, officers took the suspect into custody about a block south of the suspect’s listed residence – all happening before 7:00 a.m.

“Like I said, this is an example of great police work,” Walker concluded, “and, good interagency cooperation.”

Charges against this suspect, 36-year-old Benjamin Anthony Gomez, include Second Degree Robbery.

36-year-old Benjamin Anthony Gomez was charged with the crime, reported police spokesperson Lt. Kelli Sheffer. The Multnomah County Department of Corrections’ records show that Gomez remains in custody, with bail set at more that $250,000 for charges that include Second Degree Robbery, Second Degree Theft, and First Degree Trespass.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out what caused the explosion that shut down the Russellville area on Thursday. And, learn why the Portland Metropolitan Explosives Disposal Unit was again called out to outer East Portland – this time to NE Glisan Street, where folks were evacuated on Friday. With exclusive interviews and photos, it’s reporting you’ll find only here …

It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen the Portland Police Bureau’s Metropolitan Explosives Disposal Unit roll into outer East Portland – but [left] they came on Thursday, August 19 to the Russellville area and [right] a few blocks away to NE 98^th Avenue and NE Glisan Street on Friday, August 20.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With a concussive explosion on one day – followed by the discovery of bomb-making materials in the subterranean parking lot of an apartment building the next – Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers and Portland Fire & Rescue crew members had a lively two days, August 19 and 20.

Noontime explosion rocks Russellville area

Police and fire investigators examine the location of the noontime explosion and smoke, outside the office of a long-time Gateway insurance agent.

The concussion of a nerve-shattering blast rocked the Russellville area of the Gateway District, shutting down traffic along SE 102^nd Avenue just north of SE Stark Street, for about two hours on Thursday, August 19, just a little past the noon hour.

Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers and command staff, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) firefighters, investigators, and battalion chief – and even the bomb squad – lined the 300 block of SE 102^nd Avenue. They were all focused on a small frame building on the west side of the street that’s been there for years.

After the explosion rocked his office, State Farm Insurance agent John Lokting stood by, while emergency responders combed the area for evidence.

Standing behind the yellow emergency tape, looking at all the commotion swirling around his family-owned State Farm Insurance Agency building – the epicenter of the blast – was John Lokting.

A fixture of the neighborhood – he was appointed an agent in 1981, and eventually took over his father’s agency – Lokting looked mildly bemused by the intense activity.

“The sound and shaking really startled me,” Lokting told us. “At first, it sounded like a really bad car wreck, or maybe someone firing off a shotgun. My assistant came up from the back room – she was concerned, because of the noise made our office shake.”

Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Babcock is briefed by firefighters from Station 7.

PF&R Hazmat Coordinator, Grant Coffey, makes sure all necessary resources are in place.

Seeing smoke coming from the large evergreen tree at the corner of the building, a motorist on SE 102^nd abruptly turned into their front parking area, dashed into the building, and exclaimed, “Your building is on fire!”

The blast, and large pillar of smoke filtering up through the evergreen, produced multiple calls for help to the 9-1-1 Center.

Just outside his office’s front door, Lokting said a co-worker pointed out a odd-looking piece of plastic. “It was round, about three quarters of an inch in diameter; there was another on the other side of the planter. I’m guessing they’re end caps of the explosive.”

Not knowing whether there was a mad bomber on the loose – or merely a hooligan with really big firecrackers – police officers immediately started interviewing witnesses in the area.

PPB East Precinct Commander Bill Walker is briefed on the situation by his sergeant.

“Witnesses reported seeing a suspect ride a bicycle away northbound towards East Burnside Street,” reported Portland Police Bureau’s new spokesperson, Lt. Kelli Sheffer. Folks gave police a good description of the 6 ft. tall, 185 lb. fellow they saw pedaling off in a hurry.

“Officers located the suspect [just north of the crime scene] at SE 102nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street,” Sheffer continued. “When officers contacted the suspect, he was hostile and non-compliant; he was taken into custody after being ‘tazed’.”

A PF&R firefighter confirmed what Lotking had told us; that the blast hole was about a foot deep and several feet wide; and that dirt had been blown out of the planter under the evergreen.

As a PPB Cadet looks on, an East Precinct officer examines a backpack taken from the suspect, just minutes after he was taken away for questioning.

“Officers and firefighters located evidence of what is believed to be a small explosive, similar to an M-80 firecracker,” Sheffer confirmed. “There was no damage to the building and no injuries. The firecracker landed in a flower bed.” The flowers suffered casualties.

Officials aren’t yet saying why the suspect may have set off the explosive device – but they did reveal who they suspect of doing it.

Whether it was a prank, or an intentionally-destructive act, the man arrested for the explosion that rattled nerves in Gateway is this man, 26-year-old David Thomas McCarthy.

“Portland Fire Bureau arrested 26-year-old David Thomas McCarthy of Southeast Portland on charges of Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and Unlawful Possession of Fireworks (Class B Misdemeanor),” Sheffer later reported. “McCarthy was booked in the Multnomah County Jail, with bail is set at $4,000.”

According to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Jail records, McCarthy was released later in the day.

“I’m glad no one was injured, and there wasn’t any real damage,” Lotking said as we parted. “But it has made for an interesting day.”

Bomb Squad robot plucks pipe bomb from car under Gateway area apartment building

While the Portland Police Bureau’s bomb squad works to safely remove a potential pipe bomb from a suspect’s car – parked under the Gateway Plaza Apartments (seen in the left side of this photo) – NE Glisan Street was shut down for hours, for several blocks around the intersection with NE 98^th Avenue on August 20.

While most folks were heading to work, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers from the Drugs and Vice Division (DVD) were off on a mission as well. They rolled up to the Gateway Plaza Apartments, located in the 9900 block of NE Glisan Street, about 8:00 a.m. – ready to serve a search warrant.

“The search warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into heroin distribution,” a PPB spokesman, Sgt. Pete Simpson, said.
While searching for dope, the DVD officers discovered electrical components and a small amount of explosive powder that investigators believed were items that an individual could use to make a bomb.

Feeling confident that all of the explosive materials have been secured in the blast containment vessel,  Portland Police EDU crew members start to look more relaxed.

“Additionally, officers searching the vehicle associated to the suspect, located what appeared to be a fully constructed pipe bomb,” Simpson continued. “Officers immediately called for the Portland Metropolitan Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) and began to evacuate the apartment building of all residents. A large perimeter was established from Northeast 97th to 102^nd, and Irving to Burnside.”

Watching the activity from a safe distance, Chatequa Davis and her child spent most of the morning at the Gateway Shopping Center. “They got us out in a hurry,” she told us as she waited for the “all clear” signal to be given. The police said to grab my purse and my kid, and get away as soon as I could. With the looks on their faces, they didn’t have to tell me twice; we went.”

PPB East Precinct officers stand guard at NE 102^nd Avenue and NE Glisan Street – just a few blocks north of the previous day’s bomb scare – making sure no one entered the containment zone.

Following procedures prevents explosion
The EDU crew carefully examined the items in the apartment and determined that they were not an active explosive device, Simpson stated, although the items were collected as evidence. “Utilizing a robot, EDU was able to safely remove the suspected pipe bomb from the suspect’s car and place it into an explosive containment vehicle, for transport to a remote area for further examination.”

Five hours later, about 1:00 p.m., the apartment building was reopened to residents and area streets were reopened to vehicular traffic. “There were no injuries as a result of this investigation,” Simpson noted.

Police say this man, Konstantin Kuznetsov, will be facing two drug charges – and perhaps more charges based on his suspected bomb-making activities.
“The suspect in this case, 35-year-old Konstantin Kuznetsov, was arrested at the scene and booked into jail on charges of Distribution of Heroin (Class A Felony) and Possession of Heroin (Class B Felony),” Simpson concluded. “Detectives are continuing their investigation into the explosives, and may add additional charges at a later date.”

Kuznetsov is being held on a combined bail of $70,000 at the Multnomah County Jail.

Traffic backs up as drivers find they can’t go east from I-205 west on NE Glisan Street – or west from NE 102^nd Avenue – due to police activity.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why fighting this fire was difficult – and the heat of the day didn’t make things any easier. Sadly, as so often happens, it looks like this fiery tragedy could have been easily avoided …

Fire lights up the skyline as Portland Fire & Rescue crews scramble on the rooftop – three stories high – to quench a fire threatening this complex of condos, tucked up against I-84 in Parkrose. This, and the front page photo by Dick Harris/PF&R

Story and some photos by David F. Ashton
Fortunately, crews from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Station 2, located a half-mile north of the fire call, on NE 122^nd Avenue, didn’t have far to go, on the evening of Sunday, August 14.

The fire call came in at 9:14 p.m. But, when the first crew arrived three minutes later, they could already see they had their work cut out for them. The condo development is tucked against Interstate 84, at on NE Fremont Street at NE 121^st Avenue, serviced by a steep, winding driveway.

Firefighters first at the scene, from PF&R Truck 2, prepare to spray water on the flames leaping above the roofline, from the rear deck of the unit.  Dick Harris/PF&R photo

PF&R Truck 7 firefighters race up their extended ladder to help extinguish the blaze and save other nearby units.

“The first arriving crews reported heavy smoke and large amounts of fire showing through the roof of a multi-unit townhouse building,” revealed PF&R spokesperson, Kim Kosmas. “A second alarm was requested shortly after their arrival.”

Crews on PF&R Truck 2 and Truck 7 extended their ladders to dizzying heights to drench the burning units, and protect the surrounding condo townhomes. As the fire raged, eight engine and five truck companies made their way to the scene, shutting down NE 122^nd Avenue from NE Shaver to NE San Raphael throughout the evening.

Although firefighters had extinguished the blaze well before midnight, crews were still working on-scene into the early morning hours, dousing hot spots to make sure the fire wouldn’t again flare up.

“A ‘fire watch’ was in place throughout the night,” Kosmas added. “The damages to building and contents are estimated at over $250.000.”

Well past midnight, fire crews are on scene, making sure the fire doesn’t rekindle.

Costly in damages, not human life
“A 40-year-old male was transported to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the fire,” Kosmas said.

“At first it looked as if two firefighters would also be transported to an area hospital for heat exhaustion, but they were treated at the scene.”

Says fire was avoidable
“The fire has been determined to be accidental; PF&R Investigators say ‘Improper disposal of coals’ caused of the fire,” Kosmas relayed.

“Please remember that the proper receptacle to use for hot ashes and coals should be a metal container with a lid. It should also be placed away from any combustible materials including wooden decks,” Kosmas cautioned.

This fire could have been avoided, officials say.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

While the risk of the fire spreading to the neighborhood was low, here’s what was behind the past-midnight outbreak of activity at this NE San Rafael Street landmark business, in the Russell Neighborhood on August 19^th …

Firefighters use multiple streams of water to douse a fire that broke out at East County Recycling.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after midnight on August 19, crews from Portland Fire & Rescue’s (PF&R) Station 30 – joined by Truck 2’s firefighters, converged on East County Recycling at 12409 NE San Rafael Street, responding to reports of a blazing trailer.

While the fire was down in the lowest level of the facility – far below street level – firefighters were concerned that the fire would light up other trailers parked nearby.

Firefighters rush to extinguish the blaze, in an attempt to keep it from spreading to other trailers parked nearby.

Their efforts were complicated by having to first run a hose line from the south side of NE San Rafael Street to the north side – then down two long driveways, into the main yard – and finally to the far north wall, where the row of trailers were located.

Firefighters made quick progress fighting the visible fire with multiple streams of water. But, since the burning trash collector was loaded nearly to the top, the fire crews saw that the fire had spread down into the load.

Using a “piercing nozzle”, PF&R Truck 2 firefighters inject a fine mist of water – flowing at up to 250 gallons a minute – into the smoldering load.

“In total, the crews of two engines, one truck, a chief, and an investigator, responded to the fire called in regarding the 50′ open-top aluminum trailer,” PF&R spokesperson Tommy Schroeder later told us.

“The ignition material was recycling materials, and the cause was determined to be spontaneous ignition. The fire investigator listed it as ‘unintentional’ in nature,” Schroeder concluded.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why residents nearby came a-running when they heard the sound of this vehicle smash into a tree – after flying through the air …

This intersection, near Ventura Park School in the Hazelwood Neighborhood, was shut down – while firefighters raced to extricate the driver, trapped in her overturned car.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hazelwood neighbor Matt Patrick – he lives in a house near the intersection of SE 117^th Avenue and E. Burnside Street – told us that a casual afternoon was interrupted by the sound of a violent car wreck, near the MAX Light Rail Line on Tuesday, August 10.

“I was on my computer, and heard the distinctive sound of an impacting, crashing car,” Patrick told us. “I looked out at the intersection, and saw a car upside down. I ran out there, and [I and others at the scene] tried to help the driver, but we couldn’t.”

More than one of the neighbors called 9-1-1, records show – and got rescue crews on their way.

“It looked like one car was involved,” Patrick commented. “It was really strange; there were no other cars around. It looks like [the driver] hit those cement [traffic median] protectors full-on.”

Hitting those concrete-filled poles caused the gray Nissan Maxima GLE to go airborne, it appears, after which it collided with a tree – stripping it of its bark – and crash-landed on its roof.

It’s easy to see where the Nissan hit the protecting pole and took the bark off the tree, before it landed on its roof.

Within moments, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) and Portland Police Bureau responders were on scene.

“It looks like we have a lone occupant in a vehicle that was traveling westbound on E. Burnside,” said PF&R Battalion Chief Chris Babcock.

“The call first came in as a roll-over, and then was upgraded to a pin-in, with the driver trapped in the upside-down vehicle,” Babcock told us at the scene. “They shut down the MAX Light Rail service for about 20 minutes during the course of the incident. The patient was successfully extricated, and transported to a hospital.”

Using their Holmatro Rescue Tool, firefighters were able to snip off the vehicle’s door and remove the patient.

The patient was still hanging by her seatbelt – which officials at the scene said probably saved her life – when rescuers arrived. “We did use of the Holmatro Rescue Tool to take the car door off – it made it easier to ease her out, and secure her to a backboard, before moving her into the ambulance.”

Police reports regarding this incident weren’t available at posting-time; just why this crash occurred remains unclear.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why a motorist was thwarted getting dinner, after concluding that he deserved a break today … while another motorist had to be cut out of his car …

The Kia Rio doesn’t look all that damaged, considered the Dodge van rolled, after the two vehicles collided.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Sunday evening traffic on SE Powell Boulevard came to a standstill on August 8, when a Dodge Caliber and a Kia Rio tangled at SE 90^th Avenue – just across from the historic McDonald’s Restaurant.

The collision didn’t seem to damage the Kia to any great extent, but the Dodge Caliber rolled onto its side, pinning at least one occupant inside.

Many people came to watch as rescue workers struggled to open the van and extract the patients.

Using their Holmatro life-saving power saw and cutter, firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 25 removed the roof to gain access to the patient.

“It looked like the car was trying to turn into the McDonald’s,” Bill Overmeyer told us, who said he was waiting for a bus when the wreck occurred. “I looked down the street for the bus, heard the crash, and then the van was over on its side.”

Police shut down traffic at SE 82^nd and 92^nd Avenues, and rerouted traffic that came on to SE Powell Blvd. from side streets, as they used their Holmatro Rescue Tools to cut away part of the van’s roof, and clear away obstacles that prevented them from removing the patient.

Rescue crews ease the patient on to a gurney after being extricated from the van.

“There is little information in the call other than that two cars involved and one rolled over,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sergeant Pete Simpson. “Appears as though at least two people went to the hospital by ambulance. [At this point, it is] unknown what factors caused the accident.”

It’s no longer the “Jaws of Life”. This crew member of Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 25 starts to put away the new Holmatro Rescue Tools – implements they say are lighter, faster,and more powerful than the old portable power rescue equipment they used to use.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We thought we knew Portland Fire & Rescue’s former spokesman pretty well, but this old story was new to us! See why Station 2 in Parkrose was packed with well-wishers, on Lt. Allen Oswalt’s last day …

Portland Fire & Rescue Senior Inspector Kim Kosmas gives the Bureau’s retiring spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt, a big hug at his retirement party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The parking lot was filled to capacity with all kinds of vehicles, including fire rigs of all descriptions. It was clear that a festive party was underway, in the large training room of the Parkrose Neighborhood’s Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Training Station #2.

There was no sadness on the faces of the partygoers on July 15. After all, the event was to honor the lighthearted Lt. Allen Oswalt – as coworkers, friends, relatives, and even media came by to celebrate his retirement, after serving the residents of the City of Portland for just shy of three decades.

Lt. Allen Oswalt gives his last television interview to this KOIN Local 6 reporter.

Portland Fire & Rescue Chief John Klum told us at the party, “Allen Oswalt really became the ‘face and voice’ of Portland Fire and Rescue. Although I’m happy for him as he moves on to a new phase of his life, part of me is already missing him. He has developed such a strong reputation of credibility – not only with all the media folk, but with all the firefighters. He’s been a true representative of Portland Fire & Rescue.”

Because Klum said he’d worked with him for quite some time, we asked if any story, featuring Oswalt, might have gone unreported. “Well, he’s the only person in our agency who successfully pulled over a drunk driver, while driving a fire engine!”

This commutative fire ax is presented to Lt. Oswalt in appreciation of his service as a firefighter, Lieutenant and Public Information Officer. Yes, that’s a photo of a young Firefighter Oswalt from a yearbook.

The ‘Drunk driver story’
“I think it was about 1995,” Oswalt began. “I’m driving the rig, two o’clock in the morning; on our way back from a drug lab cleanup as a member of Station 7’s HazMat Team.

“I see a car in my rearview mirrors driving very fast and erratically. He passes us, and just misses our bumper doing about 60 mph. I immediately think ‘he’s drunk’. An officer coordinates with 9-1-1, relaying our location,” Oswalt related.

“It’s all we can do to keep up with the guy, and we’re driving one of the fastest fire engines in the fleet. We go south on I-5; exit at Portland Boulevard. He stops at the light, and then takes off. I turned on our emergency lights, and he pulls over. We boxed him in; so he backs up – right into a police cruiser that had pulled up behind him. I don’t think he could hardly believe that he’d been busted – by the crew of a fire truck!”

The always-playful Oswalt seemed to really enjoy destroying his PIO pager. “It wasn’t the real pager,” he says, “but a broken one. I don’t want to leave the impression I destroyed Bureau property!”

Future plans not yet set
About his career with PF&R, Oswalt commented. “There are so many good things. But the numbe- one thing is the support we get from the community.”

What’s next for Oswalt? “I just want to take a little bit of time for me, my wife, and my grandkids. You know I love hunting and fishing and skiing – but I can’t do that every day. I suspect I’ll find another job that I really enjoy. It won’t be about money, it will be about fun.”

Lt. Allen Oswalt hands over the PIO pager to the new PF&R spokesman, Firefighter Paul Corah.

Meet the new face of Portland Fire & Rescue
Portland Fire & Rescue’s new Public Information Officer is Firefighter Paul Corah, Chief John Klum announced.

“Corah brings a unique combination of firefighting, communications, and community outreach experience to this important and highly-visible position,” Klum said. “I’m confident that Corah will prove to be as great an asset to the media and public for their information needs as he is to Portland Fire.”

Corah told us he’s a long-time Portland resident, and comes to the job with more than 29 years of firefighting experience. He’s been the bureau’s liaison to the Fire Police Disability and Retirement Board since 2008, and served as a Vice President of the Portland Firefighters Association for six years.

“I look forward to this new assignment,” Corah said. “I’m proud to be representing Portland Fire & Rescue.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

How – and why – was this car’s driver killed on June 11 – while driving along East Burnside? Learn about the reward the police are offering for more information in this bizarre case …

Officials still won’t reveal if the rear window of this car – in which the driver was shot and killed while driving west on E. Burnside Street – was shot out or broke during the accident. East Portland News archive photo

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was a startling story at the time we reported it: At 12:51 a.m., on June 11, 2010, 33-year-old David Cosmo Jenkins was driving a light blue 1991 Oldsmobile when he was shot and killed – while driving along East Burnside Street.

> To read our complete coverage of the story, CLICK HERE.

The Olds then violently crashed into the yard of a home, through a fence, snapping a heavy utility pole like a twig, before coming to rest just west of NE 90^th Avenue.

Portland Police Bureau officers gather what evidence they can find on E. Burnside St. at NE 90^th Avenue. East Portland News archive photo

“Detectives believe Jenkins was coming from the area of 162nd and East Burnside just prior to his death,” stated Acting Crime Stoppers Coordinator Marshall Santos.

“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 remain anonymous,” Santos continued. Reference “CASE #10-33 DRIVER KILLED”.

Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-4357), or leave a tip online at the official Crime Stoppers website: CLICK HERE. Or, text 823HELP plus your tip and send it to CRIMES (274697).

If you have information regarding this case and want to speak directly to the investigator directly, contact Detective Ken Whattam at (503) 823-0696.

If you have information that will lead to cracking this case, contact Crime Stoppers – and you may also collect a cash award! East Portland News archive photo

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s amazing but true: See why this outer East Portland cop had to “call for backup” – in the middle of the day – when her husband was attacked by thugs on their way home from vacation …

Although TriMet says that riding the MAX Light Rail line is generally safe, when a law enforcement couple reached this station at Clackamas Town Center, two young ruffians they’d had words with brutally attacked them.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Riders of the Green MAX Light Rail Line used words like “astonished” and “frightening” to describe the feelings they had, after seeing two young thugs assail a couple in broad daylight at the end of the line – Clackamas Town Center Station – on Monday, August 2.

The couple, both of them off-duty law enforcement officers, had been on vacation, according to Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spokesman, Detective Jim Strovink. As they were returning home, “They were assaulted by two males.

“Their relaxing vacation ended, and this incident began, for CCSO Lieutenant Paul Steigleder and his wife, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sergeant Debbie Steigleder,” Strovink went on, “When the couple observed two males unlawfully drinking alcohol and smoking on the MAX Light Rail Gateway Station platform.”

Using what was intended to be a “soft approach”, Lt. Steigleder approached the two young men and said their behavior wasn’t appropriate. One man agreed, and appeared to comply with request to obey the rules.

”A TriMet employee came onto the scene and confronted the two males who were observed consuming alcohol and smoking on the platform,” Strovink continued. “Lt. Steigleder then observed the two males being uncooperative with the TriMet employee and, in an effort to assist the lone TriMet employee, intervened by announcing, while presenting his credentials, that he was a Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant and the two males should cooperate.”

When the Steigleders exited the MAX train, two alleged thugs followed them out onto the Clackamas Town Center platform.

Ruffians seek vengeance
When it looked as if the situation were well in hand, the Steigleders transferred to the MAX Green line and continued their trip to Clackamas Town Center. What they didn’t know was the two rowdies also jumped on the same train, in the trailing car, to follow the couple.

“Upon arriving at the Clackamas Town Center Station, the Steigleders exited the train and began walking toward the long ramp that leads down from the platform, luggage in tow. Debbie was walking ahead, ready to meet relatives there to receive a ride home. But Paul heard one of the two men yelling behind him, ‘There he is, the Lieutenant, he’s all on his own, now!’,” Strovink said.

First, one of the two subjects started throwing punches at the lieutenant, then the other one joined the kick-and-punch-fest. Fortunately, other MAX riders came to his aid, while his wife called 9-1-1 to summon aid. Strovink added, “Then, the sergeant rushed back to help physically defend her husband, who was being assaulted in the parking lot.”

The attack took place, right here, in broad daylight.

Punching hooligans run and hide
Perhaps seeing they were outnumbered; the suspects broke off their assault and took off toward a department store in Clackamas Town Center. The Steigleders chased the fleeing suspects; the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies arrived and joined in the pursuit.

”After a brief search of the store by uniformed CCSO Deputies,” Strovink related, “And, thanks to the help of an alert witness, one of the two suspects was quickly apprehended trying to hide behind a clothing display. The second suspect was taken into custody while navigating through a shopping aisle of the department store.”

A search of the suspects and their belongings revealed evidence of what is believed to be marijuana, beer, and a suspicious white powdery substance. “All these items have been retained as evidence,” Strovink reported.

No serious injuries reported
Despite this incident, Strovink said that the couple wasn’t seriously injured. “This is very fortunate indeed, because investigators believe at least one of the suspects involved with this assault was armed with a rock, during the attack.”

These two men, identified as 23-year-old Troix Alexander Chandler and 22-year-old Jonathan James Andrews, are now in jail on a variety of charges.

“The two apprehended suspects were transported to the Clackamas County Jail and lodged with the related criminal charges,” Strovink added, as he named the suspects and stated their charges.

Troix Alexander Chandler, age 23, identified himself as a transient, and is charged with the following crimes: Assault in the third-degree, Assaulting a public safety officer, Disorderly conduct in the second-degree, Interfering with public transportation, and Harassment. Chandler’s total bail is set at $79,500.

Jonathan James Andrews, age 22, who has a S.E. Stark Street address in Portland, is in jail charged with: Assault in the third-degree, Assaulting a public safety officer, Disorderly conduct in the second-degree, Failure to register as a sex offender, and Interfering with public transportation. Andrews’ total bail is set at $91,000.

Both men were arraigned on August 3, in Clackamas County Circuit Court.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why firefighters had to use their Holmatro rescue tools to get this driver out of her rolled-over SUV …

Looking at this wreck in the Lents Neighborhood, it’s amazing that the driver – and her dog – survived the crash.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Traffic on outer SE Powell Boulevard can run slowly – especially during the evening rush hour. But on Monday, July 26, just before 5:30 p.m., the traffic came to a complete standstill.

Drivers trying to head east from the I-205 freeway, or west from SE 122^nd Avenue, found themselves being rerouted away because a banged-up SUV had rolled at least once, knocked off a fire hydrant, and ended up flipped on the lawn just north of the Portland Memory Garden at SE 101^st Avenue.

Exactly why this accident took place isn’t known – but the result was that SE Powell Blvd. was closed down for hours while police investigated the accident – and wrecker crews cleaned up the mess.

“Our crews on both Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Station 7 Truck and Engine were called to the scene on the report of a rollover accident,” PF&R Battalion Chief C3, Rich Stenhouse, told us, as we looked at the crumpled vehicle.

“We had information that someone was trapped in a vehicle,” Stenhouse continued. “It was upgraded to a ‘pin-in’.”

PF&R crews had to remove the door of this vehicle to extract the driver.

Crews pulled down the small-but-powerful Holmatro rescue tool (another manufacturer calls their older, heavier unit the “Jaws of Life”) from Reserve Truck 7, and started to work. “Because the vehicle was on its top, the crew cut the hinges and popped off the door. They were able to remove and stabilize the patient.”

Witness sees tire blow out
A driver who said she was behind the now-wrecked vehicle, said that she’d noticed that the SUV appeared to have at least one flat tire. At the slight bend in the road, the SUV started “driving erratically” before it skidded, rolled, and ended upside down.

Across the street to the north, at Curtis Trailers, workers said they couldn’t see the accident occur, but they certainly heard it – describing the sound as “a big boom”. When one worker came out to see what had happened, he said he saw “a truck lying on its top, and a lot of dust in the air.”

Although the driver of this smashed SUV was taken to the hospital, she wasn’t seriously injured, police report.

Driver charged with DUII
“The female driver had two flat tires and rolled her vehicle over,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Detective Mary Wheat, after examining the records of the incident. “She was taken to OHSU, but not seriously injured.”

Rescuers also removed a dog from the vehicle, Wheat told us – but the animal’s condition is unknown.

Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the accident, Wheat said. “59-year-old Deborah Baker has been charged with DUII.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News