Two were injured in the blaze that did $900,000 worth of damage; fire inspectors won’t say how this fire started ‚Ķ

Firefighters stayed at the two burned houses in the 3300 block of NE 72 Avenue worked long into the night making sure the fire that got into the walls and attics of both homes was completely put out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It isn’t often firefighters are called to fight two house fires ‚Äì right next to one another ‚Äì at the same time. But that’s exactly what 80 firefighters did on the evening of October 22.

The fire burned so hot, the Coachman house trailer was quickly gutted even though firefighters arrived within three minutes of the call. See firefighters and rescue workers who saved the victim; learn why neighbors are puzzled …

A man, thought to have started the fire in the house trailer where he was living, is taken into custody by police when we arrived. He’s being checked over by a medic.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Tall Firs Mobile Court, on SE Division Street near SE 156th Avenue, is pretty quiet, residents say.

Details of the incident are still hazy, but take a look this car that came to rest, upside down, on the eastbound MAX light rail tracks …

With the use of a massive crane truck, workers were able to right this car; officials said it looked like the car flew through the air–after mowing down a sapling–and landed, upside-down, on the MAX Light Rail tracks.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After repeated enquiries, officials still aren’t telling us how a tricked out, skinny-tire blue coupe ended its travels upside down on the eastbound MAX Light Rail tracks on February 16.

Officer Slyter isn’t “walking a beat” as punishment. See why this cop requested permission to trade his patrol car for a pair of sturdy walking shoes‚

Slyter meets the owner of a house, north of the tracks. He’s concerned because admitted meth users gave this address as their residence.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A cop “walking a beat” seems like a quaint, an old-fashioned concept nowadays.

But one Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer has “hit the bricks” and already is making a real, positive difference in the Parkrose area.

Although school was out for the day, learn why police “locked-down” Cleveland High School to look for a gun‚

After being locked in Cleveland High for an hour, social sciences teacher Terry Johnson says this incident is unusual in this typically peaceful school.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The final bell of the day at Cleveland High School had sounded, and most of the students had left the building on May 18.

You’ll see why these folks were given awards, when you take a look at this story‚

Members of the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Crime Reduction Unit receive their “Unit Commendation” from Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Officers and staff of the Portland Police Bureau pause twice a year to honor, commend, and present medals to officers as well as civilians who have worked diligently, shown bravery, or have been injured in the line of duty.

What do you do when a TriMet bus passenger says he’s going to blow up the bus? You’ll get the story, and exclusive photos, right here …

Until the bomb squad carefully searched this TriMet bus, we were allowed to observe only from a great distance.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It wasn’t a breakdown that delayed passengers riding the TriMet bus on Route 72, headed to Clackamas Town Center, on August 23rd at about 4:45 p.m.

Their ride was stopped cold by the threat of a bomb on board.

Finally, this unlicensed driver is behind bars – but not for driving without a license. Find out why she’s in jail now … and see our exclusive photos  …

The never-licensed driver of this car wasn’t about to stop – until cops flattened her car’s tires.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After an alleged shoplifting spree at a Beaverton Marshalls store, about 6:20 p.m. on August 20, the driver of the red import sedan takes off from the parking lot, trying to ditch the local police.

Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? See what we learned from riding with cops – and the impact of Portland City Council allowing the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance to expire …

Driving up NE Sandy Blvd. officers spot Gina outside of a tavern near the corner of NE Prescott. Street. “She was excluded from this area last week; we need to talk with her,” Officer Sparling says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the first installment of this series Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs described how officers use Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances. (CLICK HERE to read Street Sex: Part 1)

Will NE Sandy Boulevard and 82nd Avenue of Roses be “open-for-protection” zones, now that the city ordinance restraining sex-on-the-street has expired? See what the cops say – and what some neighbors are doing about the situation …

Statistics show that primarily Caucasians are arrested for prostitution, such as the accused woman shown here, talking with Officer Lacey Sparling before the woman was sent downtown for booking.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In areas of outer East Portland where street prostitution flourishes, neighbors and business people say they’re astonished and dismayed that the Portland City Council allowed Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances expire – without even a hearing.

Is the crime of prostitution really prosecuted in Portland – or is it just “winked at”, and not pursued in court? You’ll get the straight answers right here …

When an individual is arrested for prostitution, either selling sex or being the customer, their first stop is here: the Justice Center in downtown Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
So far in this series, we’ve documented how street-level prostitution affects the quality of life for those living and working along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard.

Why has it taken a month to present the story about how street prostitutes are helped to escape ‘the life’? You may be as surprised as we are by the answer …

Under the Portland’s “Project 57″, when a street prostitute is arrested, they go to jail – but not for long. They stay only until their arraigned or bailed out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although popular with affected residents and business owners, both Mayor Tom Potter and Commissioner Randy Leonard say the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone ordinances were ineffective and unfair.