Take a look at this little story and you’ll find another reason to thank a Portland firefighter next time you see one …
Although the grease fire was raging, firefighters were able to knock down the blaze quickly and limit the fire damage to the kitchen area.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s a cook’s worst nightmare – a grease fire out of control. On October 21, a resident at the home on the corner of SE Division Street and SE 130th Avenue found this out when he stepped away from the stove for a couple of minutes.
“I was cooking, and the fire started,” the gentleman told us. “I left French fries cooking on the stove; the oil started burning.”
The homeowner escaped without injury; he was alone in the house at the time. He said he’d like to leave the cooking to his wife, but she’s temporarily out of town attending school.
This fire was estimated to cause $75,000 worth of damage to the home.
Rapid response saves home
“Firefighters from Station 7 were dispatched at 4:43 p.m. and arrived at 4:47 p.m.,” Portland Fire & Rescue’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “Other units also came to make sure we had enough equipment and personnel on hand to knock down this fire.”
We asked how and why the fire started.
“Your stove is capable of bringing cooking oil to auto-ignition temperature,” explained Oswalt. “This means the oil will burst into flame with a spark or ignition source. If the oil boils over onto the flame, the temperature can be even lower.”
What lesson can be learned?
“Never put pots or pans on the stove – especially ones that contain cooking oil – and walk away. Your life, and the lives of your family, depends on it.”
Oswalt said investigators estimated the total loss at $75,000.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why failing to heed the “rules of the road” left this bicycle rider in very serious condition with a head injury, after he darted out in front of a car …
Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team members piece together the accident, near Portland International Airport, that sent a man to the hospital with what officials call “a life-threatening head injury.”
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
An accident that seriously injured a bicyclist at 5:01 p.m. on October 18, on NE Marine Drive near Portland International Airport, shut down the area’s northernmost street for hours, while Major Crash Team members of Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division sorted out the details.
Paths cross with disastrous results
It was about 90 minutes before sunset, but the sky was dark with storm clouds. An automobile was traveling at the speed limit; a bicyclist was also westbound on the bike path that parallels the street.
Two witnesses at the scene say the 68-year-old bicyclist was traveling very quickly and didn’t not appear to slow down – or even hesitate – at the bicycle/pedestrian crosswalk stop sign. The bike rider darted southbound, into the path of the car, flipped off his bicycle, and smashed into the windshield of the car.
“The bicyclist was in a marked crosswalk, but failed to stop for a stop sign prior to crossing the street,” confirmed Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
Police say the bicyclist didn’t heed the stop sign; turning directly into the path of an oncoming car.
“The bicyclist, Robert Verrinder, was immediately taken into surgery at Emanuel Hospital with a life-threatening head injury. He remains in critical condition,” Schmautz added. “The motorist remained at the scene, and is cooperating with the investigation. Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the collision.”
Because of the incline at the crosswalk, investigators believe the 30-year-old motorist may not have seen the bicyclist until he was directly in front of her.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why these hard-working law enforcement folks in green spend their free time bussing tables, pouring water, and delivering orders, at this Mall 205 area restaurant …
Mall 205 Red Robin customers Christopher, Sam and Kathy Calkins are welcomed by Dep. Jordan Philpot.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last month, customers at the Mall 205 Red Robin Restaurant were treated to extra-special service by green-uniformed law enforcement personnel.
“We’re here to earn tips to support Special Olympics of Oregon,” explained Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Lt. Jason Gates.
Brad Bingham, GM Mall 205 Red Robin, Elyse Seisser, Red Robin server; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department Dep. Jonathan Zwick; Dep. Joshua Zwick (brothers); and Dep. James Erickson — at Tip-A-Cop day, serving the families of sisters-in-law Melissa Baldwin and Valerie Harvey.
“Today, we have two teams here, each working four hour shifts. All of the donations we get are tax deductible,” Gates told us. “All of these deputies are volunteering their own time for this. Volunteerism is important to us at MCSO.”
Marilyn Davanzo and Joey Davanzo are served by MSCO Dep. James Erickson.
The restaurant’s manager, Brad Bingham, said that they love hosting this outer East Portland event. “We’re proud to be participating an event that gives so much back to the community. And, the deputies are surprisingly good workers!”
In his last act as Public Information Officer for MCSO (he’s going on to other duties), Lt. Jason Gates filled us in on the statistics: Twelve MCSO members volunteered during the 8 hour event; 246 patrons of Red Robin donated to the Special Olympics.
“In total,” he reported, “we raised $3,127.38 — an increase of about $500.00 over last year. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community.”
Deputies get their “marching orders” during the shift crew meeting led by Red Robin staff members. Check out those official law enforcement aprons!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
You can “take a bite of out crime” – and remain anonymous while you collect a $1,000 reward by turning in James Sean Carlson …
Police have issued a no-bail warrant for this guy, 41-year-old James Sean Carlson. He’s wanted for busting into homes in both inner and outer East Portland.
CRIME STOPPERS CASE # 07-35:
WANTED BURGLARY SUSPECT
The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is trying to find a wanted burglary suspect – and can help.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has issued a no bail warrant for 41-year-old James Sean Carlson on one count of Burglary in the first degree.
Carlson was the subject of a January 2007 Crime Stopper case after fingerprints linked Carlson to several Alameda neighborhood residential burglaries that occurred in October 2006.
Carlson was eventually arrested, charged, and convicted of the Burglaries. He was sentenced to probation and has recently failed to report to his probation officer and has violated the conditions of his probation.
Additionally, East Precinct Detectives have probable cause to arrest Carlson on at least five new burglaries committed in the east county area.
Carlson is described as a white male, 5″11 tall, 175-180 pounds, with short red hair and mustache, and blue eyes. Carlson is listed as a Potential Armed Career Criminal, and is considered a heavy methamphetamine user.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357) or 9-1-1 if the suspect’s you know where Carlson is hiding out.
Fore more information, call Portland Police Bureau Detective Dave Anderson at (503) 823-4822.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service.
Take a look and you’ll see why neighbors say this residential SE Portland street should be designated a “no passing zone” …
Police say the driver of this Acura shouldn’t even been on the road – his driver’s license is suspended!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We really need to make SE 136th Avenue between Holgate and Powell a no-passing zone,” comments neighbor Mary Walker, as she looks at the wreckage about to be towed from the street.
Walker says she heard the accident that sent both drivers to OHSU on October 5 at about 9:30 p.m. “I was in the kitchen. I heard this huge bang. I mean, it was a really big boom. I ran out and looked, and called 911. The police were here in two minutes.”
As she walked three doors down to look at the remains of an offset, head-on collision, Walker said the horn of one car was still blaring.
Walker, who is known to East Precinct cops – because she volunteers to restock their patrol cars’ trunks, several days a week – said there was another accident on her road earlier in the day. “This street gets a surprising amount of traffic. And, it seems people are always driving in a hurry; they pass cars when it isn’t safe.”
The Acura hit the Thunderbird with such force, it bent the frame.
Shouldn’t have been driving
According to Sgt. Brian Schmautz, spokesman for the Portland Police Bureau, 28-year-old Lay Nguyen was driving a gray 1991 Acura Intrepid northbound and was “stuck” in traffic. However, Nguyen shouldn’t have been behind the wheel at all – his driver’s license is suspended.
Nguyen whipped out of his lane, stepped on it, and smashed, almost head-on, in to 44-year-old Dean Roundy as he was driving south in his 1993 burgundy Ford Thunderbird just south of SE Francis Street.
“Nguyen was cited for Careless Driving and Driving While Suspended,” Schmutz states.
As we watched tow trucks jockeying to pick up the totaled-out vehicles, Walker says, “I hope the city will take a look at our street before someone gets killed.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Think street prostitution is a “victimless crime”? Ask what neighbors think, after they come back from their daily “condom and needle patrols” …
Street-level prostitution is still active in outer East Portland. After officers watch Loretta violating her exclusion order, attempting to flag down potential sex customers along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, she is arrested.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Outer East Portland neighbors all along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and outer NE Sandy Blvd., say they are concerned that, come November 1, their streets will again teem with street-level prostitution. Women in “The Life” – the term prostitutes use when referring to their trade – are about about to get a “gift” from the City Fathers.
On October 30, City of Portland ordinances called Prostitution-free Zones (PFZ) and Drug-free Zones (DFZ) will expire. Hearings to continue or change these ordinances were dropped from the Portland City Council’s September 12 agenda without mention or comment.
“Exclusion zones” defined
To learn more about the PFZ and DFZ ordinances, we speak with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. He’s in charge of the cops that patrol Portland’s most prostitution-affected streets.
“It takes a lot of resources to catch people selling drugs or engaging in prostitution,” Crebs begins.
“Parts of 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Blvd. are designated as Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones. When officers see persons engaged in prostitution activities, they arrest them,” explains Crebs.
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs explains the “exclusion” ordinances.
“When we arrest them, we also give them an ‘exclusion’ that prohibits them from coming back to the zone for 90 days. These individuals can return to the area to deal with activities of life, like shopping, medical needs, or other legitimate activities.”
If cops catch “excluded” individuals in a PFZ or DFZ within 90 days, and they clearly are not engaged in a legitimate activity, the commander says, officers can arrest them for trespassing.
“It is proven that you have the ability [to exclude an individual], it diminishes the ability for these things to occur. It makes the area no longer conducive for their activity. Sometimes they stop it altogether, or do it far away.”
Neighbors speak out
Debbie Shelley is a Parkrose neighborhood resident who lives near NE 99th Avenue and Wygant Street.
“I used to think these gals getting picked up by cars were just getting a ride from a friend. But then, we watch them they drive into the neighborhood and stop on a side street,” Shelley tells us a recent neighborhood meeting.
“Used condoms, needles – we’ve found it all around our area, especially in the cemetery. It terrifies me to see this on the ground. There are kids in our neighborhood. What if they pick up a needle?”
Drug dealers can be excluded under the DFZ ordinance, also. “We’re getting a lot of drug traffic. I see cars coming down the street. They flash their headlights, and people come up to the car and they leave,” Shelley adds.
Her message to City Hall: “Please, keep the Prostitution-free Zones and Drug-free Zones!”
Portland Police Bureau Officer Mike Leisure and Mary Walker at the Parkrose NA meeting talk about prostitution.
Says homeowners also have rights
Mary Walker, board member Parkrose Neighborhood Association, adds, “We don’t want anyone’s rights to be violated – whether it is the prostitute, or the homeowners. The goal isn’t to throw prostitutes in jail. The goal is to find a solution. We’ve got to resolve to find a way to help prostitutes find a better way of life.”
Walker notes that nearly half of the cars picking up prostitutes in Parkrose bear Washington state license plates. “It would be great if we could find a way to work with Vancouver, Washington, police.”
If the PFZ is allowed to expire, Walker says, she’s concerned – because, “I think that the activity will increase. It won’t be in the shadows; we’ll be seeing it right in the heart of Parkrose.”
Lives in the “drop-off zone”
Madison South is the neighborhood along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, near Madison High School. Their neighborhood association chair, Ruth Hander, tells us what she sees every day.
“I am in the ‘drop off’ zone,” Hander says. “Guys pick up the gals on 82nd Avenue, and drive into the neighborhood [for sex]. When they’re done, they drop the gal off, and they take off for 82nd Avenue, and away they go again.”
The problem with prostitution in the Madison South area, explains Hander, “is not only are we dealing with the prostitutes, but also with the drugs they bring with them. We appreciate all the drug and prostitution missions the police conduct, but there is only so much they can do.”
More than 100 Madison South residents have signed a letter to the Portland City Council requesting that PFZ and DFZ ordinances be kept on the books, Hander adds.
Notes declining property values
When an area is known for hosting prostitution and drug dealing – even if unwillingly – neighbors say the illegal activity imports crime into their communities.
Valerie Curry, president of Argay Neighborhood Association, tells us, “I’m not speaking for the association; I’m speaking as a very concerned neighbor.”
Curry calls street sex and drug dealing a “huge concern” because of the increased level of activity she, and neighbors, observe in their area.
“In addition to the level of prostitution and drug activity we’re seeing,” Curry continues, “some folks are reporting prostitutes screaming, as their pimps beat them up.”
While unsavory individuals allegedly are moving into Argay apartment complexes, residents are moving out.
“We’re losing some of our good, stable, long-term neighbors because of this activity. They say, ‘We don’t want our children seeing prostitution and drug dealing as a normal way of life’. We have drivers, stoned out of their minds, coming to have sex with prostitutes. We see drug deals every night at NE 131st and NE Sandy Blvd.”
Not only does it affect the quality of life in Argay, Curry adds, “This criminal activity is reducing the value of our homes. It is devastating to our community. For the mayor to just let it [the ordinances] drop, and expire, is unacceptable.”
Next week
Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? Is this problem being blown out of proportion?
See what we learn when we ride along with police officers in Street Sex: Part 2 – Prostitution flourishes in outer East Portland.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why this outer East Portland accident shook up witnesses who saw it happen – and the condition of the injured woman.
Please note, some photos may be too graphic for some readers …
Police officers take measurements at the scene where a 78-year-old wheelchair-bound woman was struck by a truck.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after 3 p.m. on Friday, September 21, pedestrian and vehicular traffic is slowing down as the afternoon rush is starting up at the busy intersection of SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and SE Holgate Blvd., near Eastport Plaza.
“I looked up and saw an old woman, riding in an electric wheelchair, start to cross the street [going north on 82nd Ave, crossing Holgate]. This big truck was turning left and hit her,” says eyewitness Lilana Longoria.
Taking a closer look at the mangled power wheelchair, officers gather information to make their report.
Other witnesses collaborate her story, and say the 18-wheeler was turning left – on a green arrow – from southbound 82nd Ave., heading east on SE Holgate Blvd. The front, passenger side of the truck cab strikes the powered wheelchair and starts dragging it and its occupant eastward.
“People are rushing up to the truck and pounding on the window, screaming and shouting, ‘Stop! Stop!‘ But by then, the truck dragged her quite a ways.”
Heavy Friday afternoon traffic came to a standstill as this busy intersection became a police investigation scene.
Looking at the accident scene, we surmise that fender of the semi cab dragged the wheelchair about 30 feet. Within minutes, we are told, an ambulance rushed the victim away to get medical care.
Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Brian Schmautz, says 78-year-old Ursala Knierim was operating the electric wheelchair. The truck that struck her was driven by 60-year-old Randall Bubb.
Officials say, as bad as this accident was, the victim’s injures did not take her life.
“No citations have been issued at this time and Knierim’s injuries do not appear to be life threatening,” Schmautz reports.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It wasn’t bad enough that this guy, arrested for being “deep in his cups”, drove like a dolt – see what happened when he broadsided an innocent victim …
While paramedics and firefighters stabilize a passenger riding in the car said to be the cause of the wreck, a police officer talks with 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley before arresting him for DUII.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This wreck, on September 10, wasn’t an “accident”. It didn’t have anything to do with the sun being in the driver’s eyes as he headed westbound, down the hill on SE Holgate Boulevard from SE 28th Avenue. At 9:20 p.m., the sun had long been set.
“The car shot down the hill, like it was trying race the car beside it,” says witness Peter Hacker. “But the other [westbound] car clearly wasn’t racing; the driver turned off on SE 27th to get away from him. The guy driving the Camaro was driving like a total jerk.”
By the time the Camaro approached the intersection at SE 26th Avenue, other witnesses say the speeding car was fishtailing as it careened westward.
Witnesses say the victim could talk with paramedics as they were preparing her to be transported to the hospital, but she was bleeding from the forehead.
Either the driver of the Washington-plated Camaro didn’t see that the he was approaching a red light, or he was going too fast to stop to avoid cross traffic in the intersection.
In what multiple witnesses call a “grinding crash”, the Camaro plowed into the driver’s side, rear door of a red Chevrolet legally passing southbound through the intersection.
The t-bone collision spun the Chevrolet with such force, it rotated the car 90 degrees, before slamming it into a steel utility pole – caving in the side of the vehicle.
The Camaro ground to a stop about 1/2 block west of the intersection, straddling the two eastbound lanes of SE Holgate Boulevard.
Within minutes, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 23 arrived on scene, and firefighters stabilized the injured persons in both cars.
Looking at the victim’s car, it’s easy to understand why witnesses say it’s a miracle the driver survived the crash.
“Looking at her car, I was surprised the woman who got hit could still talk to the rescuers,” Hacker said. “She had a cut on her forehead, but seemed to be talking OK.”
According to Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Cathe Kent, police arrested 32-year-old Leroy Burke Hartley, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Hartley was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn why police officers take their day off to help disadvantaged youth become well-equipped for school right here …
Folks came from miles around, drawn to the dark plume of smoke that arose from the fire said to have caused $400,000 in damages to the plant. Read how the fire started, and see exclusive photos, right here …
Between blasts of water from multiple hoses, firefighters peer through smoke and steam to check their progress fighting the fire in the plant’s Wax Room.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For a mile surrounding the intersection of SE Harney Dr. and SE Johnson Creek Blvd., traffic is at a standstill about 1:30 p.m. on September 8. A plume of thick, black smoke indicates a major fire is the reason the roads are closed.
Walking up Harney Dr. to the scene of the fire at Precision Castparts, we pass neighbor Chris Johnson as he works in his yard. “I looked up and saw plume of smoke coming up from the far side of the plant,” Johnson tells us. “Then there was a big explosion and the smoke turned thick and dark.”
Along the way, we walk with another area resident, Myra Kelsey. “I didn’t see it, but I sure did hear a big boom from blocks away,” she says. “I looked over and saw a big cloud of black smoke; I’m worried that the smoke might be toxic.”
Walking past the command truck, we overhear the Battalion Chief say on his two-way radio, “Even with fighting the fire from the inside, we may have to open the roof and put more water on it from the outside.”
Firefighters say they were concerned that the blaze might touch off a wildfire on the steep terrain surrounding the Precision Castparts plant.
The industrial fire, said to have started accidentally during a cleaning operation in the “wax room” located on the plant’s east side, burned so hot, it touched off the tinder-dry brush on the steep hillside leading up to a parking lot.
“Firefighters recognized the potential for a fast spreading brush fire on this hot day,” says Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Doug Jones. “Firefighters quickly attacked the fire from multiple directions while other firefighters began fire suppression efforts in the involved building fire.”
Equipment from eleven stations responded to the two-alarm industrial fire.
Approximately 60 firefighters, responding from eleven stations, stay on scene for hours. Eventually, they start disconnecting their lines, and rolling up thousands of feet of fire hose.
No injuries were reported by either company workers or firefighters in this blaze that reportedly caused $400,000 in damages to one building.
After the fire was brought under control, firefighters were faced with draining and repacking thousands of feet of fire hose on this hot, sunny afternoon.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
With the area between Portland and Gresham, along the MAX line, getting to be as lawless as an old Western stagecoach stop, see what law enforcement agencies plan to do about it …
Portland and Gresham police department leaders, flanked by officials from both cities, say their determined to cut crime along outer East Portland MAX stops at a Sept. 10 press conference.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because of the current rash of shootings, stabbings, muggings, beatings, and drug-dealing at the 162 Avenue/E. Burnside Street MAX station area – where Portland ends and Gresham begins – the Portland Police Bureau is joining forces with Gresham cops to slow the escalating crime wave.
Incidents in the area have been too numerous; within the week, no less than 18 violent crimes have been reported. September 10, a shotgun assault occurred, as did an attack on a 30-year-old man by as many as 20 young thugs – one brandishing a pistol.
People living in the area – especially the elderly – say they’re afraid to leave their homes or apartments for fear of being mugged or murdered for $5 or a wristwatch.
Late afternoon, September 11, we arrive at a press conference set up at the westbound MAX platform, and find Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, and Transit Police Commander Donna Henderson, joined by East Portland Crime Reduction Specialist Teri Poppino and Gang Taskforce coordinator Harry Jackson, all ready to speak out.
Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso says “…our intention is to take back these streets …”
Not a one-city problem
“This isn’t a one-city problem,” Piluso begins, “This is all our concern. We’re standing on the boundary between Portland and Gresham. While we acknowledge that boundary, we know crime knows no jurisdictional boundaries.
“During June, July, and August, in this immediate area, there have been 25 reported assaults, 10 vandalisms, 17 drug offences, and 57 high priority crimes including robbery, serious assault, and auto theft.”
Piluso goes on, detailing numerous arrests made during joint police missions in late August and early September. “Enough is enough. We are more than doubling our resources in this area, for as long as it takes to make a difference. It is our intention to take back these streets from a criminal element that disrupting our citizens who work, live, and plan a visit to this area.”
The police of both cities intend to “send a message” to citizens and crooks, says Gresham Capt. Tim Gerkman
Next, Gresham Capt. Tim Gerkman steps up to the podium. He tells reporters that Portland and Gresham officers will saturate the area on foot, in cars, riding motorcycles, and on bicycles. “We hope to send a message to law-abiding citizens in this area that we’re not going to tolerate this criminal behavior any longer. We’re going to take back the streets and the area and make it safe.”
Portland police adds officers to area
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs outlines why he’s assigning additional officers to the area. “Over the last few months, we’ve noted an increase of violence and intimidation happening here. A woman, living right here in this area, just told me that a rock was thrown through her window for no reason. Last night, a stray bullet went into a victim’s home. I’m committed to authorize the overtime needed to take this area back.”
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs says he’s authorized overtime to keep Portland cops at troubled intersections.
After confirming Gerkman’s strategy, Crebs adds, “This is a short term fix. We’re working with all city agencies to create a long-term solution to this problem.” For example, he states they’re going to press to have trouble-making apartment tenants evicted. “This is along-term project. It won’t be solved overnight.”
Just a quick fix?
When they call for questions, we ask, “There are incidents happening every night at this, and other MAX stops in outer East Portland and western Gresham. Why take this action now?
Piluso responds, “As I said earlier, we’ve seen this escalate and escalate. We’ve had enough.”
Saying that residents have said they’re skeptical that the police will be here long term, a TV reporter asks, “How dedicated are you to the long term?”
“By the sheer presence of everybody standing here today,” Piluso rejoins, “I can tell you that the Gresham Police Department is in this for the long haul. It isn’t going away overnight; it isn’t going away in a week. We will work with this community, as well as our law enforcement partners, to not just displace but to work hard to solve. We’re bringing the right people together to put the right plan together.”
Commander Crebs adds, “We can’t solve the problem ourselves. We need the citizens’ help. Some citizens are scared, but we need them to step up and help out by being our eyes and ears to report crime. If citizens see crime, they must call 911 immediately.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn why a “welfare check” on a family quickly turned into a crime scene investigation on NE Glisan Street, in this sad story …
Although police officers and paramedics tried to resuscitate the family members that the Multnomah County Coroner says was poisoned by carbon monoxide, the mother, father and child could not be saved.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The stillness of the night was shattered at 11:23 p.m. in the 10900 block of NE Glisan Street on September 6, as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances converged on a modest house.
“All of a sudden, the street was filled with cops,” Gloria Yalsen tells us as we arrive on scene. “We came out and heard a bang – not like a gun going off. Just a loud ‘thud’ kind of sound. Next thing, I see a cop doing CPR on a guy. I don’t think it worked; the guy is there, under the yellow cover.”
We interview everyone in the area; everyone with whom we speak says they don’t know right then why there is such a high level of public safety provider response.
Tragic event called a Homicide/Suicide
At 5:38 a.m., police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us he can now release information about the event.
“An occupant of the house sent an e-mail message to a friend in Southern California,” Schmautz begins. “The message informs them of the suicide/homicide.”
When police officers arrive, they find a hose hooked to the exhaust pipe of a hearse, still running, in the home’s driveway.
Officers see the hose is attached to the home’s furnace ductwork. They disconnect the hose and forced entry to the home. The sound heard by the neighbors was, in all likelihood, caused by the forced entry.
“In the home, officers located three incapacitated individuals: 39-year-old John Kuca, 39-year-old Luray Hodder-Kuca, and 5-year-old Ruby Kuca, in a bedroom,” reports Schmautz. “Officers carried all three outside and performed CPR.”
Risking their own safety, officers rush into the home, trying to rescue the occupants. None of the family members survived, police officials say.
We’ve learned, but police will not confirm, that the father and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. The mother reportedly died on the way to the hospital in the ambulance.
“Detectives confirm that a suicide note was left at the scene,” states Schmautz. However, the spokesman would neither confirm nor deny whether or not their actions were prompted by an illness in their family not covered by health insurance, as some have speculated.
One officer was transported to the hospital after being overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to rescue the occupants of the house. He was treated and released.
“The officer is doing OK,” Schmautz says.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
