Some people wonder why the City of Portland is putting in ‘red-light cameras’. The photos in this Lents Neighborhood story tell the tale …

Three badly damaged cars and several shook up occupants sort out the details of this accident on SE Woodstock Blvd. at the I-205 northbound exit ramp.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
First the good news: no one was seriously injured, at least enough to be transported to the hospital for treatment or evaluation. Everyone walked or limped away from this three-car pileup in Lents neighborhood, just east of the I-205 overpass on SE Woodstock Blvd. Some people call it SE Foster Road – but here where the lanes are split, Foster Road heads westbound only.

About 8:20 p.m., on January 26, one car didn’t observe the traffic signal – and plowed into two others. Officials didn’t say whether or not a citation was issued; because it wasn’t a “trauma injury” accident, this smash-up wasn’t investigated.

Although everyone walked away from this one – no one drove away. The cars looked pretty much totaled.

Officials say the two intersections just east of the I-205 overpass at SE Woodstock Blvd. (eastbound) and SE Foster Rd. (westbound) have the highest number of red-light violation crashes recorded in Outer East Portland.

Another ‘red light camera’ to come
Outer East Portland’s #1 crash spot – SE Foster Road/Woodstock Blvd at 96th Avenue – racked up 53 red light crashes in four years. PDOT officials said the project was in the “beginning the design phase” last spring.

“It’s true,” said a police officer on scene at this crash. “This intersection is well marked and well lit. There are good site lines. I really don’t know why people run the red lights here so often.”

Although we don’t know “the why” a driver went through a red light – but “the what” is obvious when one looks at the debris from this accident’s wreckage strewn around the intersection.

“No matter how much of a hurry you’re in,” the officer advised, “obey the traffic signals and maybe you’ll save your life.”

No matter whose fault it was, the result is the same – bruised up, angry people and wrecked cars.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why about 20 police folks – including the commander – are sporting a very short hairstyle now, in the dead of winter …

His son Tanner, Deputy District Attorney J.R. Ujifusa, his daughter Grace, and freshly “cropped” Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs watch, as other officers participate in “Gracie’s Crop-A-Cop” fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Community Room took on the appearance of an Army recruit processing center barbershop on the afternoon of January 26. East Portland cops, and officers from other jurisdictions, walked in with a full head of hair – and walked out with a close-cropped buzz-cut.

“We’re calling it ‘Gracie’s Crop-A-Cop’,” explained the Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney stationed at East Precinct, J.R. Ujifusa. “My daughter, Gracie, was diagnosed with leukemia in August. The chemotherapy caused her to lose her hair.”

Fortunately, the treatment was successful, Ujifusa said, holding his daughter – who sported an almost-too-large for her cap. “Thanks to her treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, now she’s doing great.”

This “Crop-a-Cop” event, put together by East Precinct Sergeant Deb Steigleder, gives friends, family members, and officers the opportunity to support Gracie’s recovery by shedding their locks, the organizer said. “And, it’s a fundraiser for Doernbecher.”

Becky Martin from Salon Ambience prepares SPI Detective Teresa Uttke for her new hairstyle.

Detective gets clipped, again
We missed Commander Michael Crebs’ and Lt. Anderson’s haircuts, but we were there to witness Special Property Investigations Detective Teresa Uttke – yes, a female – join the men in getting a new, low-maintenance hairstyle.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve done this,” Uttke told us as she moved to the shearing chair. “I did this back in 1997 and 1998. I think this is for a very good cause.”

The room suddenly feels a bit cooler to her, as Detective Uttke loses her locks.

In addition to her own $10 donation, we learned that Uttke was submitting to the tortuous tonsorial treatment to fulfill $846 in pledges.

“You look at that little girl, and your heart melts,” Uttke said softly, as Becky Martin from Salon Ambience got ready to buzz-cut her next customer.

In all, Sergeant Steigleder reported that the event raised $5,000 for the children’s hospital.

Detective Uttke proudly shows off her new ‘do – actually, the lack thereof – and joins the ranks of some 20 others who also wanted to support Gracie’s campaign for Doernbecher.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Firefighters said the blaze started in the circuit breaker box. But what the fire investigator found on-site landed two of the home’s occupants in real hot water …

SE Woodstock Blvd. was blocked off for several hours, as firefighters put out a small house fire they say resulted from an electrical overload, and then police investigated a marijuana grow operation found in the basement.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By all measures, the house fire at 6830 S.E. Woodstock Boulevard wasn’t much of a blaze.

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Station 25 Truck and Engine Company, based on S.E. 52nd, arrived with sirens wailing at 9:23 a.m. on January 16.

A half hour after the blaze was quenched, smoke is still coming from the house.

“We were originally were sent on the report of a power line down,” PF&R Battalion Chief 4 Scott Beyers said, while firefighters, their work quickly done, were wrapping up their hoses.

“A short time after our arrival, it was determined that we had a fire involving the house down in the basement area,” Beyers continued.

The battalion chief said firefighters reported that fire was in the area where the electrical service went into the house. “It appears that’s where it started, but investigators are in there now taking a look. Both of the home’s occupants are out, and there were no injuries.”

Firefighters pack up their gear after extinguishing the small fire.

While firefighters tote their gear out of the the house, a police officer talks this person, who appears to be the woman officials later identified as Tabitha French.

Electrical overload leads to investigation
As the firefighters were stowing their gear, we noticed a Portland Police Bureau officer talking with an individual said to be an occupant of the house. When we drove by later that afternoon, officers from the bureau’s Drug & Vice Division were also visiting the modest Woodstock neighborhood home.

The official PF&R report made law enforcement’s interest clear: “Found … a fire in the basement of the house. A grow operation was found in the basement.”

The report continued, “A Marijuana grow operation was being conducted in two rooms. A third room was in the process of having grow lights and ventilation system wired in. Fire patterns and damage seen indicated the fire originated at the main breaker branch panel. Overload and arcing noted.”

Police say these two women, Tabitha Rose French (left) and Rachael Marie Belknap (right) face charges stemming from the marijuana grow operation found in the house.

Two charged in pot growing operation
Although investigators estimate the building and content loss were only about $25,000, the impact of the fire on two of the home’s occupants may be more far-reaching.

Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz checked the records, and told us that two 27-year-old women, Tabitha Rose French and Rachael Marie Belknap, were taken into custody. “They are both charged with Manufacturing, Possession and Distribution of Marijuana.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why Portland’s Police Chief selected these two officers and eight citizens to receive the bureau’s Commendation Medal …

Standing in front: Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer and Sgt. John Anderson; behind them are Jack Menashe, Officer Greg Baldwin, Joe and Nick Rossi (accepting on behalf of their mother, Irene), Rex Hollingsworth, Bryan Ackerman, LeeAnn Bruner, Jeff Brooke, and Bud Bartunek, as they receive the Portland Police Bureau’s Commendation Medal.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In a December, 200, article, we took you to the Spirit of Portland Awards, at which Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Sgt. John Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin were honored for helping to create a police substation in Parkrose. (CLICK HERE to read that article.)

These outer East Portland cops, along with nine citizens and the companies they represent, were given another accolade at the Police Bureau’s biannual award ceremony, held in the Horner Auditorium of the David Douglas Performing Arts Center on January 14.

Police Chief Rosie Sizer congratulated the recipients on stage, as retiring Public Information Officer Cathe Kent explained why the honorees were given this award.

“From August 2007 to January 2008, Portland Police Sergeant John Anderson and Officer Greg Baldwin spent countless hours after work and on their days off working to develop a community contact office in the Parkrose area of Portland.  In September 2007, a location directly off Sandy Boulevard was donated by Mrs. Irene Rossi of Rossi Family Farms for $1 per year,” Kent announced.

With awards in hand, proud Parkrose awardees return to their seats to enjoy the remainder of the ceremony.

Kent continued, “Due to the fact that there was no money to build the office, Sgt. Anderson and Officer Baldwin reached out to the Parkrose community who gladly rallied their resources, donated materials, and volunteered their time to assist with the completion of the project.”

Without the generosity of the following community businesses, Kent added, the project would not have become a reality:

• Parkrose Hardware,
• Rex Heating and Air Conditioning,
• Western Pacific Building Materials,
• Surface Flooring,
• LA Signs, and
• The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Union Local #10.

For their dedication, generosity, commitment, and support to community policing, each of the honorees was awarded the Portland Police Bureau’s Commendation Medal.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Officials don’t know why this suspected gang member allegedly whipped out his pistol and started shooting at the AM/PM Mini-Mart on SE Holgate Boulevard. But, find out what police did about it – and what steps they’re taking to halt gang violence …

After unsuccessfully negotiating the purchase of a cigar at this ARCO AM/PM Mini-market, witnesses say the shooter headed north [toward the camera] and opened fire at a vehicle parked in an auto repair shop’s driveway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even the sound of a truck backfiring makes folks throughout outer East Portland duck for cover, as gang member gunplay increases.

On January 14 – this time, in the Lents area – gunfire broke out, as a suspected gang member opened fire at the intersection of SE Holgate Boulevard and SE 92nd Avenue.

“The suspect had gone into the market,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us. “When he came out of the market, it appears as if shots were fired. Because of the close proximity to the store, there is surveillance video of the crime occurring.”

Shooting shatters innocent’s window
According to the office manager at R-Boes Automotive repair shop across Holgate from the AM/PM market, a car pulled into their lot around 2:15 p.m. “The car just sat there. Then we heard gunshots, and saw a man running toward us (north) shooting at the car; maybe a half-dozen shots.”

Apparently the gunman’s aim wasn’t good; his target vehicle escaped without damage, she said.

However, a Lexus SUV driven by Maria Swearingen – she was heading westbound on SE Holgate Boulevard, approaching the 92nd Avenue intersection – was hit by at least two bullets that shattered the vehicle’s rear window. “She wasn’t involved in any way with the suspect or his intended target,” Schmautz noted. “She was caught in the cross-fire.”

Traffic along SE 92nd Ave, along Lents Park, was shut down for the afternoon and most of the evening until police convinced the suspect to surrender.

Vigilant citizens finger suspect
“Our mechanics saw the shooting and took off after the guy,” R-Boes’ office manager told us. One hopped into his car to follow [the shooter], and the other ran after him on foot as he ran [east on Holgate then south] on the trail along the freeway. [The mechanics] told police which house he went into.”

The description the mechanics gave the police, and surveillance video footage from the AM/PM market, helped police quickly identify the subject who witnesses said ran into a residence on SE Pardee Street, just a block east of from Lents Park.

Police block off SE Pardee St., just east of SE 92nd Avenue across from Lents Park, where they believe the suspected gangster gunman who shot up an innocent driver’s car is holed up.

Subject unwilling to give up
We asked Schmautz why the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) was called out to the scene.

“At first, the suspect was being loud-hailed by officers,” replied Schmautz. “He didn’t respond to any of the loud-hails. We think the presence of additional equipment and the SERT officers coming into the area got him to change his mind, after he understand that the police were not leaving until he surrendered.”

Finally the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Anthony Dwaine Bell, gave up and came out without further incident.

Finally, the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Anthony Dwaine Bell, gave up without further incident.

SE 92nd Avenue remained closed into the evening hours, as detectives and members of the Gang Enforcement Unit obtained a search warrant.

The following day, we learned that Bell was charged with one count of Attempted Aggravated Murder, two counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. “Investigators believe that there is a direct connection between this incident and recent shootings in both Portland [during a funeral service] and [New Year’s Eve shootings in] Gresham,” Schmautz added.

Commissioner of Police, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman announces “Operation Cool Down” – his plan to crack down on gang violence.

Commissioner calls for a ‘Gang Cool-down’
In response to the upswing of gang violence, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, now in charge of the Police Bureau, announced a mission called “Operation Cool Down” to “focus resources and enforcement on individuals and neighborhoods affected by gang violence”.

At a press conference at Portland City Hall on January 16, Saltzman presented plans to coordinate efforts of the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and the United State Attorney’s Office.

Increasing the contact among gang members and police officers will help reduce gang violence, says Portland Police Bureau chief Rosie Sizer. She’s flanked by City of Gresham Mayor Shane T. Bemis and Commissioner Saltzman.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Chief Rosie Sizer said that police efforts in recent years have reduced gang activity. “As it was reduced, there was less of a day-to-day contact between patrol officers and gang members.  That is no longer going to be the case.”

Each police precinct, including East Precinct, she added, will put on officers who can identify gang activity initially. “Then, through in-service training over the next few months, gang unit officers and members of the HotSpot Action Team will teach street officers how to identify gang members, where they’re active, and whether that they may be carrying guns. The overall organizational capacity is going to be enhanced.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs listens to the presentation at City Hall before explaining how the two-officer patrol plan has already resulted in arrests.

Two-officer cars target gangsters
After the press conference, we asked Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs to strip away the political rhetoric, and explain how this plan will be executed.

“I’ve told all of my lieutenants on all three shifts to send out as many two-person cars out as possible,” Crebs told us in the Portland City Hall chambers. “The job of these two-person cars is to be looking for potential gang activity and known gang members.”

When officers double up, Crebs explained, they can stop and approach individuals immediately without having to call – and wait – for a backup officer to arrive on scene.

“Officers are looking for specific behaviors, not individuals,” Crebs said. “We want officers to start engaging people and talking to them.”

Plan pays off immediately
“Last night, officers in a two-person patrol car saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation and pulled them over,” the commander said. “In the course of the stop, they ended up recovering two guns and arresting three gang-associated gang individuals. This is just the first step, but it’s an important one.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Officials aren’t talking about the circumstances, but some
speculate the elderly man suffers from dementia …

The report of a double shooting – and a victim inside a home – bring a substantial police response to this Woodstock neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many neighbors along SE 42nd Avenue, in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood just a few blocks north of former Mayor Tom Potter’s residence, were surprised by a massive police response as patrol cars converged at the corner of SE Cora Street before 8:00 a.m. on January 16.

In the driveway of the modest home, snuggled into the hillside on the northeast corner of the intersection, officers found 49-year-old Mark Myers with a gunshot wound to the stomach. He told police he was shot by his adoptive father, 92-year-old John Wesley Myers.

Officers measure and check over the crime scene, marked out by red tape.

Traffic was halted throughout the morning while detectives examine the crime scene.

Special Emergency Reaction Team officers were activated, because officers learned that a second victim was still inside the home, along with her 12-year-old son and the suspect.

“After loud-hailing, the suspect he did come out and talk with officers,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz at the scene. A neighbor said the elderly Myers looked unsteady as he stood in his bathrobe talking to officers and later walked away with them.

“Officers entered the residence and found a second victim who appeared to have a very serious wound, shot in the head,” Schmautz reported. “A Rottweiler dog was standing guard on the couch, as if protecting a female gunshot victim.”

Because the dog wouldn’t budge, and victim, identified as 43-year-old Kim Macintosh, appeared “gravely injured”, Schmautz said an officer made the decision to shoot the dog. Both gunshot victims were transported to Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital where Myers now in serious condition.

Kim Macintosh died a week later, on January 23, from injuries she sustained in the shooting.

In the driveway, marked off by red police tape, officers found one of the victims suffering from a chest gunshot wound.

The two shooting victims are the adopted children of John Myers, and the victims are brother and sister, police detectives said. Neighbors suggested that Macintosh was acting as the primary caregiver for the elderly Myers.

Detectives processing the crime scene had not determined a motive for the crime as of the time we spoke with Schmautz. “John Myers has been charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, and was lodged into the Justice Center Jail.” He was arraigned on January 20, but did not enter a plea, pending an evaluation.

Police arrested this man, John Wesley Myers, on two counts of Attempted Murder.

Relatives reportedly said John Myers had several shotguns in his home because he was an ardent bird hunter. Further, Mackintosh told them she believed that when her dad began showing symptoms of mental instability, she’d removed the ammunition from the home.

Mackintosh’s son, age 12, described as severely autistic, was found hiding in the home when police searched the house; he has been placed in temporary foster care.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Molly Dahl at (503) 823-0991 or Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0692.

Sgt. Brian Schmautz talks with reporters about the double shooting after the victims were transported to OHSU for medical care.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

When he discovered he’d been spotted, the driver of the stolen car sped through three neighborhoods trying to make a getaway. See how far he got …

The driver of this stolen car stopped and calmly surrendered – but only after spike strips shredded the tires and a police SUV blocked his path.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Police officers on patrol learn to be multi-task; they listen for calls, respond to citizens who hail them, keep an eye out for suspicious activity – and in this case, spot a car reported stolen.

On December 2, Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Officer Daniels thought he saw a car that matched the description of a vehicle stolen from southwest Portland on November 24. He checked the license plate; it was, indeed, the purloined car.

Minutes before 11:00 a.m., Daniels noticed the car in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, just southeast of Woodstock, heading eastbound on SE Flavel Street near SE 60th Avenue.

An officer photographs the stolen car; the only damage appeared to be the flattened tires.

“The vehicle continued east,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “and turned north on SE 92nd Avenue.

“At SE 92nd and SE Woodstock Boulevard, officers threw a spike stick that punctured the driver’s-side tires on the vehicle.”

But the car didn’t stop – continuing past S.E. Holgate and Powell Boulevards, and S.E. Division –  before finally grinding to a halt at S.E. Clay Street.

“The driver is being compliant,” we heard reported on the police radio. “He is lying down outside the vehicle.”

cop who took the lead in the chase, Officer Daniels, questions the passenger who was riding in the stolen car.

Schmautz said police took 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham into custody. Cunningham’s record shows he’s been suspected of robbery, forgery, and property crimes – but this adventure earned him these charges: Attempt to Elude, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

“It’s a good day,” Daniels said. “We have two in custody, (the driver and a passenger who was detained) and no one was hurt.”

Police say this man, 32-year-old Joseph Dennis Cunningham, finally gave up the chase after the tires were flattened with spike strips.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer had just been invited to speak about her bureau’s budget – neighbors spent most of that meeting grilling homicide detectives about the trio of murders in November. See what Sizer revealed about police cutbacks in our future …

The vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, Ron Clemenson, says the trio of murders has neighbors on edge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the East Precinct Citizens Advisory Forum on December 2, Ronald Clemenson, Vice Chair of the Centennial Community Association, didn’t mince words as he summed up the feelings expressed by many of the 80 neighbors packed into the room.

“We are very concerned about what’s going on in the neighborhood,” Clemenson said. “We’ve had three homicides in three weeks, within six blocks of one another. This is not good. A lot of people are worried, in our neighborhood. That’s why we’re here at this meeting.”

Clemenson has a demonstrated interest in outer East Portland public safety issues. He attends the monthly precinct forums, works diligently in his neighborhood association on livability issues – and, earlier this year, organized a Public Safety Forum attended by 120 concerned citizens.

During this meeting, a neighbor brought up that March 11 forum, at which a dozen Portland and Gresham city and Multnomah County elected and appointed officials testified how their combined efforts have reduced crime problems in the area – while citizens attending disagreed with the rosy picture the bureaucrats painted. (CLICK HERE to read our coverage of the Spring Public Safety Forum.)

November’s trio of murders

• On Friday, November 14, East Precinct officers found the lifeless body of 37-year-old Amatha Mendive behind a strip mall in the 16100 block of SE Stark Street. “Immediately upon arrival, officers observed signs of homicidal violence to the victim’s body, and called Homicide Detectives to conduct an investigation,” reported Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
• Update: Suspects identified (see below) On Sunday, November 23, officers found the body of 35-year-old Abel Delgado-Morales inside an apartment in the 15800 block of SE Stark Street, after responding to a call of a reported shooting. An autopsy determined that the victim died of multiple gunshot wounds. “Based on information from witnesses, investigators believe the victim was at the residence visiting friends when a suspect or suspects arrived at the residence, confronted the victim, and shot him,” Schmautz noted.
• On Saturday, November 29, 54-year-old Roland Jackson Dir was found dead in a home in the 500 block of SE 155th Avenue. “The Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined that Dir died of Homicidal Violence,” Schmautz said. “For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding specific information about the cause of death.”

Anyone with information about any of these homicides is asked to call Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Jim McCausland at (503) 823-0449.

Sergeant Rich Austria and Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division talk about the three homicides in outer East Portland.

Neighborhood not a target
As the meeting began, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs, introduced Chief Rosie Sizer. He then turned the program over to Sergeant Rich Austria, who was joined by Commander John Eckhart from the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Division.

“I know that there are concerns about the recent homicides that have occurred in the neighborhood,” Austria began. “There’s not a lot I can share about the investigation, for obvious reasons – but we don’t believe, based on information that we have, that [murderers] are targeting your neighborhood specifically.”

These homicides aren’t random acts of violence, Austria added.

No common suspects identified
Austria continued, saying he didn’t believe there was one common suspect associated with all three murders. “We have leads in all three investigations that we’re following.”

Unless there is an eyewitness to a murder, Austria detectives start by determining with whom victim was associated.

“In about 85% of homicides, victims know their suspects in some fashion,” the detective continued. “It could be by association – people they know who are prone to violence. Or, it is lifestyle-related – hanging out with people who are involved in crime, drugs, and prostitution, or are involved in domestic violence.”

Working from the victim “outward”, detectives talk with family members, friends and neighbors, building up a “picture” of the victim and their life.

“I come here to solicit your help,” requested Austria. “Share with us information; or call Crime Stoppers if you want to be anonymous.”

The Community Room at East Precinct was filled to overflowing as concerned citizens asked for answers regarding the serious crimes in their neighborhoods.

Questions and Answers

Q Are the murders gang related?

A “No, We don’t have history of [the victims] being involved in gangs. But there is a lot of gang activity in the area,” Austria replied.

Q A neighbor said his family lives within the “murder triangle” and he was concerned about unsupervised kids coming and going to school. “Are our kids safe?” he asked.

A “We don’t have any information that anyone is targeting children,” Austria said.

Q “Wouldn’t increased police presence deter people from committing serious crimes, like murders?” a neighbor asked.

A “Many murders, including at least one of these,” replied Austria, “occurred in a home or apartment. Even if police were patrolling every street, there would be no way for them to know what is happening inside homes.”

Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud told detectives, Commander Crebs and Chief Rosie Sizer, “We need action, and we need it now.”

Apartment owner calls for action
“I own apartment complexes from 122nd Avenue out to 190th Avenue,” said Centennial neighborhood landlord Moe Farhoud, as he stood up to address the officials in the room.

“My tenants are calling my office and complaining. Some want to move out, others are concerned about being safe. We need action, and we need it now.”

Commander Crebs replied, “If your tenants, or anyone, sees suspicious activities, they need to call us. Also, check into our Enhanced Safety Properties program.”

Farhoud shot back, “Just talking doesn’t help. We need the Mayor here tonight. We need action. We need to do something.”

East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs responds to neighbors about their concerns regarding the murders by providing factual information.

“What kind of action?” asked Crebs.

Other landlords need to do their homework when it comes to accepting tenants, Farhoud replied. “We have vacancies; we turn down people who are no good. We need to enforce not renting to bad people.”

To this Crebs stated, “We can’t and don’t enforce who lives where.”

Complains of high density, low income housing
A woman spoke up, sharing her concern: “You, sir, have tenants who can move out. I own my house and I can’t move away. The way things are, I can’t even sell it. There is way too much low-income housing concentrated in the area.”

Crebs noted that the East Portland Action Plan is “looking at the problems created by high density” in the area.

Police Chief Rosie Sizer says her bureau’s budget may be cut – once again.

Chief warns of coming budget cuts
A neighbor complained that an officer told him only two police cruisers patrol his neighborhood. “I live in the middle of this, and I’m concerned.”

Chief Sizer stepped and said, “What I came to talk about was preempted by the importance of the recent homicides. Our bureau’s budget has a direct effect on the number of officers that are on the street – the budget issue is important.”

The police bureau has a $150 million budget, Sizer reported. “Yes, we are considered ‘expensive’. We respond to calls from you, restore order, and make investigations. And, we provide services to help prevent crime.”

Chief bemoans repeated cuts
Sizer shared that the Police Bureau’s budget was “repeatedly cut” during the 1990s, and again at the turn of the century. “We’re in another financial downturn. We’ve been asked to provide [the Portland City Council] with a 2% cut – that’s a $3.5 million reduction; and a 5% cut – a $7 million decrease.”

Within a community budget discussion on December 1, Sizer said citizens worked with representatives of the Police Bureau by ranking 100 police programs from most to least important. “We want to make sure we’re not cutting core, versus non-core, functions. We’re looking at how we can restructure. I don’t see we will emerge unscathed.”

Clemenson floats a petition
After the meeting, Clemenson said he was concerned – very concerned – about impending Police Bureau budget cuts. “Public safety is our number one priority; our number one consideration.”

Holding up a petition he’d circulated during the meeting bearing about 70 signatures, Clemenson said, “It’s addressed to Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, but it applies to all of the commissioners. We have to get the attention of the officials controlling the purse strings. We want our Police Bureau to be fully staffed; to do that, they need the support of the City Council.”

Update:
A Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge has issued arrest warrants for 21-year-old Cristobel Medrano-Alvarado and 21-year-old Jose Santiago Carvajal-Mota in connection with the shooting death of Delgado-Morales. The warrants charge both suspects with one count of Aggravated Murder. The suspects were identified through the ongoing investigation. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The blast rocked the area; and a downed power line stalled firefighting efforts. Get the whole story, and exclusive photos, right here …

Portland Fire & Rescue crewmembers quickly knocked down the fire – once PGE cut the juice to a power line that hampered them after they arrived on-scene.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The blaze that burned out a duplex on SE 146th Ave., just behind the All Star Bingo hall and a half block south of SE Stark Street, at about 8:45 p.m. on November 2, was substantial. But what got the attention of neighbors was the initial blast, which rocked the neighborhood.

“I was watching a movie and heard an explosion,” said Jarred Hammersmith, who told us he lives a couple of houses south of the still-smoldering residence near which we were then standing. “It was a pretty big bang. My dad came running downstairs, and when we went outside we saw the fire and a lot of black smoke. The guy they took away to the ambulance wasn’t moving; he didn’t look very good.”

Steven Springsted said he was in the All Star Bingo building when the fire broke out nearby. “I ran into the house and didn’t see anyone, so I left. There were flames shooting out the window of the other part of the duplex.”

When we arrived on scene, paramedics were preparing to transport the victim to the hospital.

Tense moments for firefighters
“Two people were seen going back into the structure,” said Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “While firefighters attacked the fire, other crews searched for those who may be trapped inside. The individuals seen running into the building were entering the unburned side of the duplex, and escaped without injury.”

Firefighters also experienced anxious moments when they discovered a live power line hanging behind the duplex, Oswalt said. “Firefighters were warned to say away from the area for about 15 minutes until a PGE crew arrived and disconnected the power.”

The first crews arrived five minutes after the first alarm was sounded. Although the fire was substantial, PF&R crews knocked it down in minutes, and fully extinguished it about 25 minutes later.

Extensive damage and an injury
“One middle-aged male was treated on-scene for cuts and minor burns, and transported to a local hospital,” Oswalt reported.

One side of the duplex was extensively damaged by the blast and fire; the other side had some smoke damage. Initially, the damage estimate was $100,000.

“Fire Investigators are listing the cause of the fire as ‘undetermined, pending further investigation’,” Oswalt said.

The rapid response of PF&R crews kept the fire from consuming both units in the duplex, or spreading to apartments nearby.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It looked as if this driver tried to pass a stopped bus – by bouncing up on the sidewalk to pass on the right. Officials say, he apparently hit the gas instead of the brake. See why it was fortunate no one was killed …

Witnesses say they can’t figure out why the driver gunned his engine – and tried to pass the stopped TriMet bus – on the right!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There weren’t any serious injuries in a bizarre wreck that took out a utility pole in the 6400 block of SE Holgate Boulevard on November 3. But, the accident totaled one car and damaged a truck.

Once on-scene, we learned that an eastbound TriMet bus stopped to take on passengers just after 10:30 a.m. Witness Bill Farr told us, “I was stopped behind the bus. The driver of a red car in front of me was impatient, he pulled out and passed the bus. Then, this other car drove off the street, right beside the pickup, and took out the pole.”

Was this driver trying to pass on the right – using the sidewalk? That’s what it certainly looked like, to witnesses.

Roof rack saves passenger
“We were stopped behind the bus,” said eyewitness Ilia Morozov. “In my mirror, I saw a car driving quickly up. Before he hit our truck, went like he was going to pass our truck and the bus on the right side. But there is no lane – just curb, and grass, and sidewalk. He ran right into the pole.”

Morozov said when the utility pole toppled; it landed on his truck “My dad ducked down, like the pole would crush us. But the roof rack on our truck saved us.”

Although the accident looks serious, no one was injured, police say.

Driver confuses car’s controls
The official word on the wreck came from Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The collision occurred when 81-year-old Norbert Paul Kent inadvertently applied the accelerator instead of the brake as he approached some vehicles stopped for a TriMet bus.”

To avoid the stopped vehicles, Schmautz added, Kent drove up onto the sidewalk. He missed the first car but sideswiped the second and then hit a pole on the sidewalk.

“Kent was cited for Careless Driving. No one was injured in the collision.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Learn the steps the police took to find a man who they say is armed, dangerous – and still on the loose, after this disturbance shut down a large section of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

Traffic is diverted off SE Powell Blvd. during rush hour as police search for an alleged gunman who took a pot-shot at his girlfriend as she drove off.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The usually-slow afternoon drive home along outer SE Powell Boulevard slammed to a complete halt, as police diverted traffic from the street between SE 112th Avenue and SE 122nd, starting about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2.

According to Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Officer Catherine Kent, it all began with a “disturbance” call to 9-1-1 late in the afternoon, about an event witnessed in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood.

Because police officers didn’t find the handgun said to be used in the shooting at the scene, the officers who formed a perimeter around the area stood ready to defend themselves, should the armed gunman show up at their position.

The call, from a third-party, informed police that “a male and female were verbally arguing over a set of [car] keys. The female took off in a silver Mercedes, and the male subject took out a gun and fired a round (bullet),” Kent explained.

Officers were dispatched to the area of SE Powell Boulevard and SE 120th Avnue.

When officials suspect that a gunman is on the loose, they call in the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) to help search the neighborhood.

Above, Portland Police Bureau’s Air Two circles the area, looking for the suspect, using their high-power camera system.

Concern grows; SERT called out
From what we heard while monitoring the police radio, a young man, about 5′ 8″ tall with a medium built, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and grey pants, took off on foot. A brief inspection of the vehicle involved in the incident revealed no bullet holes, however.

We watched as police officers searched vehicles leaving the streets between SE Powell and SE Division, mostly from SE 115th Avenue east to SE 120th. From what we heard, police searched for the nickel-plated handgun allegedly used, but didn’t find it.

Because of their concern that an armed gunman was on the loose in the neighborhood, police supervisors activated SERT officers to comb the area. Overhead, the cops’ “eye-in-the-sky”, Air Two, circled with its high-power cameras and infrared sensors, searching for the alleged gunman.

Police officers search vehicles leaving the quarantined area, to make sure the suspect doesn’t slip away in a vehicle.

Neighbors kept from returning home
For hours, folks living within the area were told they could not enter the quarantined zone. “We’re just trying to keep everyone safe,” an officer explained to an exasperated-looking woman with four kids in her car.

“I wish I could get home,” Stella Longham told us, as she waited in the Rock & Roll Pizza parking lot on her way home from work. “There’s a lot of trouble here in this part of town. But, the police seem to react quickly. I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

It wasn’t until later in the evening that police allowed residents to return to their homes.

Officials say this man, 20-year-old Eddy John Anthony Lewis, is their person of interest in the case, and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, immediately call 9-1-1.

Police name suspect
The man police say who caused the ruckus is 20-year-old Eddy John Anthony Lewis. Officials say Lewis may be charged with “domestic violence with a firearm” and “attempted assault”. Citizens are urged to call 9-1-1 if they spot Lewis.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The ambulance didn’t look much damaged – but it was carrying a patent who really needed to get to the hospital. Look at what happened to the car that hit it …

The crew from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 9 makes sure this accident doesn’t get any worse than it already is.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was an ordinary run for American Medical Response Medic unit 323 on Monday night, at 9:00 p.m. on September 22. The crew was transporting a critically-ill patient to Providence Medical Center.

That ambulance never made it to the hospital; the patient, eventually did.

“The ambulance was headed north on SE 39th Ave.,” reported eye-witness Butch Strickland. “It was threading its way through traffic, and then the intersection at Powell, with the lights and siren on. But when it got most of the way through the intersection, a car [traveling westbound on SE Powell Ave.] just ran into it.”

From what we learned from others who witnessed the collision, it appeared as if the driver who caused the wreck did have a green light; but didn’t hear the siren – and didn’t notice that all traffic at the intersection had come to a standstill to let the emergency vehicle pass.

Although the ambulance appears to be only slightly damaged, witnesses say the car’s impact pushed it sideways about two feet.

The ambulance didn’t look much the worse for wear; the car’s front end was demolished. “When the car hit the ambulance,” Strickland told us, “it slid the front end of the ambulance about two feet sideways.”

Within minutes, AMR Medic unit 326 was on scene; the patient was transferred and transported to Providence Hospital. Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 9’s crew made sure there weren’t other injuries and cut the power on the car to prevent a possible fire.

“There aren’t any Traffic Division reports available regarding the accident,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman Officer Greg Pashley. “The intersection was opened to traffic at 10:03 p.m.”

The next time you come to an intersection – and see that the traffic has come to a stop – it’s a good idea to slow down and look for emergency vehicles or a pedestrian, Pashley commented.

Ambulance crew members are debriefed by Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division investigating officers.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News