Facts emerge about Division St Credit Union robbery

Here’s what’s known about the stick-up at NW Priority Credit Union in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

The NW Priority Credit Union would normally be open – but after the robbery, this outer East Portland location is closed for the afternoon.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s been more than two years since NW Priority Credit Union, located at 12630 Southeast Division Street, had been robbed. Then, an armed bandit ran off with cash on January 16, 2015, at 4:27 p.m.

The lull ended and the credit union was robbed again on March 28 at 1:32 p.m., bringing Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers to the scene.

Less than five minutes after the alarm was triggered, the first of eleven units pulled up, but the robber had fled.

“Suspect entered the credit union and presented a demand note to the teller; [but] no weapons seen.” said PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson. “After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect walked out towards Division Street,” he told East Portland News.

The officer in this unit starts the search for a suspect or suspects who just robbed a credit union on SE Division Street.

Officers fanned out through side streets and thoroughfares trying to catch a glimpse of the suspect or suspects involved, but apparently came up empty-handed.

Looking for evidence along SE Division Street, some officers canvassed businesses in the area – including the Starbucks Coffee stand across the street, and Rachel’s Bar & Grill, just west of the credit union – hoping their surveillance cameras had caught images that might be helpful to their investigation.

This officer heads into the credit union to investigate this robbery.

“Suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, blonde short hair, medium build, wearing a light-colored jacket over a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans,” Simpson reported.

Anyone with information should contact Robbery Division detectives at 503-823-0405.

With evidence in hand, this police officer heads back into his patrol unit.

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