Fire and Police « East PDX News

Help ID the jerk who has been busting into NE Portland businesses. Your confidential tip could earn you $1,000 in cash‚

Know who this is? Turn him in and claim your reward!

By David F. Ashton
Before dawn on April 5, at 4:50 a.m., a burglar breaks through the front door of the 102nd Street Market at 4646 NE 102nd Ave.

Surveillance video at the store catches this guy as he enters the store and starts loading his brown-and-black Adidas duffle bag with cigarettes, candy, and money from the store’s till.

Then, on Sunday, April 8, at 2:35 a.m., the same suspect breaks into Subway restaurant at 10643 Northeast Sandy Blvd. During this break-in, the crook can’t defeat the lock on the cash box‚ so, he opted to take the entire box with him.

You can’t see him as well, but here’s the crook in the Subway store.

The suspect on the video looks to be a white male, possibly late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’6″ or shorter, with dark brown or black hair, and bushy dark eyebrows.

His clothing: A light colored sweatshirt with the hood up, underneath a short sleeve dark shirt or jacket, dark pants, and white shoes. The dark colored shirt was pulled over the lower part of his face, and he appeared to be wearing light-colored gloves.

Bust the crook for cold cash
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to the resolution in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you may remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).

As Multnomah County slashes budgets, sheriff shares safety concerns

Read this one-on-one interview and learn why you’ll probably see fewer big drug busts in East Portland from the sheriff’s skilled dope-busting deputies. And, see why this news is grim for our friends in Gresham, Fairview, and East County‚

Take a look at the POUNDS of heavy-duty narcotics‚ like crystal meth‚ the deputies in Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit bring in when they bust big-time dope dealers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
East Portland News Service has covered many stories in which the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has taken down top-level drug dealers, and curbed the influx of methamphetamine and cocaine.

So, we wondered why we were being summoned to the Hanson Building ‚Äì the leaky old structure that houses the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)‚ for a “show & tell” on April 17.

At the event, the SIU sergeant tells reporters how Multnomah County’s impending budget reductions will impact the unit.

After the meeting, Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto invites us into his office where, one-on-one, he frankly speaks of his concerns regarding public safety, as county commissioners decide how much to cut from the sheriff’s budget.

Sheriff Bernie Giusto doesn’t mince words as he outlines the funding situation for his organization.

In his words
We ask Sheriff Giusto, “What’s the real story here?”

“The story is that the county has built a government they can’t pay for,” Giusto begins. “It didn’t happen in the last couple of years‚ this started many years ago.

“With I-Tax revenue, expectations were high. It did provide a financial bridge for two years. But it also did two things: It built expectations we would be able to maintain those levels of service; and, secondly, while this was going on, our costs were increasing. Labor costs were going up.

“With the I-Tax gone, coupled with the increase of labor costs, we’re back in an ‘every-year, budget-cutting mode’.

“To start, it looks like we’ll have to cut 114 jail beds,” says the Sheriff.

SIU deputies put on display some of the confiscated drugs, bagged and ready for sale. From July 2006 through March 2007, deputies have cleaned $8,800,000 worth of dope off the street, including 5.34 lbs of cocaine, 1.32 lbs of heroin and a whopping 7.2 POUNDS of methamphetamine. MCSO photo

Why Special Investigation Unit cuts will hurt
Giusto continues, “And, our Special Investigations Unit will also take some cuts.”

We enquire, “Is the SIU the unit that catches the drug runners, bringing multi-pound loads of crystal meth into the county?”

“More importantly,” Giusto elaborates, “the SIU is the only group, the only law enforcement unit that does these drug missions in East Multnomah County on a daily basis, east of 162nd Ave.”

Drug investigations don’t stay within boundaries, he adds. “When it comes to initiating [county jurisdiction drug] investigations, or cleaning up meth labs, we were the only ones. We’re still the only one doing clean-ups. No one else is equipped to do those meth lab cleanups. If we don’t do them, they don’t get done.”

Deputies say this gear was taken from meth labs they’ve cleaned up. Without funding, future lab clean-ups are in doubt. MCSO photo

Says Wheeler is responsive to concerns
“[Multnomah County] Chair Ted Wheeler has been responsive to our concerns‚ as much as a $15 million overall ‘budget hole’ will allow him to be.”

Instead of holding off making cuts in the future, Giusto said Wheeler is making cuts starting this year. “He’ll be making a cut, county-wide, of $10 million this year and $5 million next year.

“But, on top of the cuts we’ve taken at the Sheriff’s Office — $6 million one year, $8 million another year and another $5 million cut this year ‚Äì these cuts are starting to get very painful. The cumulative effect of these cuts is this: We’ve run out of services that are debatable‚ wondering whether or not they’re important.”

Core services reduced
In other words, the Sheriff’s office will start making cuts to core services, Giusto clarifies for us.

“We are now down to ’emergency response’ levels of funding. This includes investigations, drug investigations, patrol and river patrol.”

Giusto pauses, and adds, “Although, yesterday, the Chair did add back $750,000 for River Patrol.”

Had some funding not been restored, Giusto states frankly, he’d have to make deep internal cuts to keep the River Patrol in operation. “The River Patrol either has to be funded at a reasonable level, or we have to stop providing this service. But, we can’t get ‘out of the business’ because nobody else does it. We have the equipment, trained personnel‚ and a state mandate that we provide this service.”

Redefining services to East County
“What this means for East County is this,” the sheriff continues. “We’re working with Gresham to redefine our services.”

This is difficult, he says, “Because where you find drugs, you find crime. Drugs and crime go together. As you know, we work with East Precinct’s CRU [Crime Reduction Unit]‚ and we’ve reduced crime. But now, violent drug-related crime is popping up on Gresham and East County on a regular basis.

“Major incidents in Gresham of shooting and stabbings, drug killings, are going to increase — now that they’ve reached that 100,000 population mark. This is hugely problematic. When cities grow to this size, they start to experience big-city crime.

“Gresham has a couple of choices. They have to get serious about funding some officers for ‘street crimes’ unit. They only have two FTEs [full time officers] right now. It’s a good start, but it’s ineffectual against mid-level drug dealers.

East Portland: something has to give
We ask, “Let’s talk about your work with East Precinct’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and the Regional Organized Crime Narcotics Agency (ROCN). If there are budget cuts, what can we expect?”

Giusto thinks for a moment and replies, “We’re still working on how to move our personnel around. But, something has to give. We may have to give up drug investigators and release deputies to do general [crime] investigations.

“But, the fact of the matter is, downstream, the things SIU is doing to reduce drug-related activities are more important than anything else. We can’t let drug dealers run wild. That’s a bad idea.”

“We can’t let drug dealers run wild. That’s a bad idea,” says Giusto.

Migrating crime to East County
“The crooks go to the places of least resistance. If Portland keeps pushing hard, they’ll go to Gresham or East County. They don’t quit. They just go somewhere else. And, we really don’t want East Multnomah County to be the place they go.

“If you don’t think East County is ‘growing up’‚ last month, we had our first drive-by shooting in City of Wood Village at 7:30 in the morning. We’re ‘growing up’ in a way that isn’t very good. It’s happening before our eyes. We’ve got to recognize what’s going on.”

What you can do
We ask Sheriff Giusto if there is anything citizens can do to support law enforcement.

“Express your priorities around public safety, law enforcement presence, and jail beds to your County Commissioners,” replies Giusto.

“Secondly, if the County can work with the City of Gresham or other jurisdictions, these governments must ask citizens to help fund an increased law enforce presence.

“Gresham has run out ability to address the problems. They’re doing a good job with [the funding and officers] they have. But when you only have 106 police officers, in a city of 100,000 people‚ this isn’t a good ratio.

“Gresham, and the east end of East Precinct, has become the ‘poverty center’ of the county. This means not only more crime, but also more victimization. It’s tough to ask citizens to help sometimes, but we need to be able to provide service.”

“Anything else?” we ask

“We’re not opening our new jail this year, either. We’re having our third birthday party out there‚ empty,” concludes Giusto.

Editor’s note: the Multnomah County budget is currently in its draft form; it is not finalized until June. Contact your county commissioner to express your views now.

Multitudes of Multi-Tools donated to firefighters by Leatherman

Find out why this internationally-known outer
East Portland firm makes sure each Portland firefighter has a
Multi-Tool‚ and why the firefighters are happy about it‚

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter Luis Martinez says his Multi-Tool comes in handy almost every day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When
seconds count, how do Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters cut
wires, adjust rescue equipment, or make an on-the-spot repair? They
reach for their Leatherman Multi-Tool.

So maybe the Leatherman tool can’t cut victims out
of a crushed car quite like the Jaws of Life, or see in the dark as
does a thermal imager, but firefighters like Luis Martinez say they are
grateful to receive the handy pocket-sized tool‚ as a gift from the
manufacturer.

An awesome gift
“This
is an awesome gift,” Martinez tells us. “I use mine almost every day.
All the firefighters I know carry their Leatherman on their hip; this
is one thing that doesn’t sit in the drawer. Most guys have two‚ one on
their regular uniform, and one in their turnout pocket.”

Not only is it a tool well-designed for
firefighters, Martinez adds, “It’s great that a local company steps up
to help us, by donating them to the bureau.”

Portland Fire & Rescue’s Lt. Allen
Oswalt; Battlion Chief 3 Chris Babcock and Leatherman Tool’s Roger
Bjorklund and Juli Warner get together for a photo, at the formal
presentation of the Multi-Tools to the bureau.

Firefighters a good source of product feedback
“With
new recruits coming into the bureau,” says Roger Bjorklund, VP
Marketing Leatherman Tool Group, “we know City budgets are tight,
especially to buy products like this. We wanted to make sure all of our
Portland firefighters were able to carry the Multi-Tool.”

Although firefighters aren’t involved in any formal
product research project, “They’re great at giving product feedback,”
explained Bjorklund. “They use the Multi-Tools so much; they’ve given
us good ideas about how to improve our products. We’ve all benefited
from the relationship.”

Caught napping, boxer-clad victim flees SE Portland home invasion

This story reads like an action-movie script. And, see why detectives say conflicting information leads them to believe this crime may be drug related‚

After the report of an armed home invasion, police mobilize SERT officers on SE 92nd Ave., three blocks north of the target house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A resident is taking a late afternoon nap. Suddenly, he hears the door crashing in. Shaking off the cobwebs of sleep, he somehow knows the home-invading bandits have guns, and figures it’s best to get out.

Clad only in boxer shorts, the victim grabs his cell phone, bolts out another door, and calls 9-1-1. He tells operators three armed men just busted into his house.

Even though the location is about as far south as one can go on SE 92nd Avenue while remaining within Portland city limits, cop cars arrive in a flash. Officers sprint from their cars and collar two suspected robbers as they stroll out of the house.

Portland Police Bureau Commander Michael Crebs heads into the “Mobile Precinct” to coordinate the operation.

One reportedly armed thug not found
With one armed bandit presumed to be still on the lam, officials activate the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT).

From across Portland, SERT officers roll up “code three”, and gather under the I-205 viaduct on SE 92nd Avenue. The precinct commander steps into the Mobile Precinct, and takes charge of the unfolding situation.

Not an action movie
While this tale may seem like the story line from a thrilling action-adventure movie‚ the scenario actually played out at 4:47 p.m. on March 11, in the 8500 block of SE 92nd Avenue at SE Clatsop Street. It disrupted the lives of residents for a four-block radius.

We arrive on-scene shortly after the call-out. Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz filled us in on the developing situation.

Armored SERT vehicles arrive on scene.

“If there was a third individual,” Schmautz tells us, early in the event, “this person may have gotten out in the very short time it took us to set the perimeter [a dragnet of officers]. Either the third suspect bolted from the house, or is still inside. Because we’ve found two suspects armed with handguns, we’re not going to take a chance. Protocol is to activate SERT.”

SERT is activated, Schmautz explains, whenever the best information available alerts them that an armed person has barricaded him or herself in a building. The Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), attempts to make contact. The commander makes the decision on whether, and if so when, to deploy SERT into the building.

This woman came up to police lines, saying she is a resident of the target house. She was not allowed past the yellow police tape that cordoned off the area.

Draw a tight dragnet
Police swarm the area, all activity coordinated by the police official in charge, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.

No one‚ for any reason‚ is allowed in or out of the quarantined area.

Neighbor Bob Hamilton shakes hands with an officer‚ and waits to go to his home just one block away‚ but located within the quarantined zone.

From where he stands with us at SE 92nd Avenue and SE Crystal Springs Drive, neighbor Bob Hamilton can see his house, a block away.

“I’ve talked with my wife. She’s OK,” says Hamilton. “It looks like the police have this really well organized. They’re doing what they have to do; they’re not letting someone run around the neighborhood with a gun.”

A TV reporter asked Hamilton if crime near his home frightened. “Not really,” he responds, “there’s crime all over Portland.”

Reports “extenuating circumstances”
Schmautz stays at the event, updating reporters with what little news becomes available.

We ask the police spokesman, “What, specifically, did the victim say that leads police to believe there were three‚ not two or four‚ assailants?”

“Our situation intelligence people from HNT talked to the resident,” Schmautz informs us; “and detectives are talking to the two captured suspects. There are some extenuating circumstances, we’ve learned.” He doesn’t elaborate.

After hours of “loud-hailing” fails to produce a suspect, SERT officers shoot tear gas grenades into the house.

SERT makes entry
Darkness falls on this drizzly evening. After hours of “loud-hailing” the house, the commander orders the SERT entry team to search the house.

We hear a “pop, pop, pop”‚ the sound of teargas canisters being lobbed into the house. Dressed in heavy body armor, SERT officers storm inside.

A room-by-room search produces no third suspect‚ only a dog, limp from inhaling teargas, is carried from the house.

Police say that this man, Reynaldo Chamizo-Zayas, was sleeping, when the home-invading robbers broke in his door, causing him to flee.

Situation still under investigation
No third suspect was ever located, either in or out of the house. Officials aren’t saying whether they still believe the report that there actually were three suspects involved in the home invasion.

Schmautz later states that the victim, 34-year-old Reynaldo Chamizo-Zayas, gave police detectives conflicting information about the crime. “Information obtained during interviews has led detectives to believe that this crime is drug-related,” he reports.

Owners of the house board up the door broken by the bandits, and the windows busted out by teargas rounds.

As clean-up efforts begin on the broken-into house, police continue to investigate this case.

In the wee hours of April 12, detectives book 31-year-old Jossean Rivera and 29-year-old Juan Aguilar-Fernandez in connection with the home-invasion robbery. Both are charged with one count of Burglary in the First Degree, and three counts of Theft in the First Degree.

Authorities say these two men, Jossean Rivera and Juan Aguilar-Fernandez, were caught red-handed with cash, guns, and stolen I-Pod in hand.

Reckless driver’s sideways car causes Holgate Blvd. gas scare

When you see these photos, you’ll wonder how the driver was able to wedge her car between a building and utility pole‚ sideways!

Everyone who saw it said they were amazed to see how the driver of this car managed to wedge her vehicle between the utility pole and building.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Reports start coming into 9-1-1 Dispatch shortly after 9:30 p.m., reporting a car‚ stuck sideways‚ at 4434 SE 25th Avenue, on March 10.

On scene, we’re told a driver heading east on SE Holgate Blvd. tried to turn left, to go north, on SE 25th Avenue.

“Officers on scene said she took the turn too fast, popped up over the curb and onto the building,” is the official word according to Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Brian Schmautz. He identified the driver as 23-year-old Erica Wiggins.

“On the first calls,” reports PF&R Lt. Allen Oswalt, “there were reports the car was on fire. When our personnel from Engine 23 arrived, they saw steam escaping from the car’s radiator, but there was no fire. In fact, they reported no injuries in the accident.”

Portland Fire & Rescue workers stand by in case natural gas fumes ignite after the accident.

Engine 23 crewmembers tell us it looked as if Wiggins’ car “drove over” a natural gas meter and its pipe feeding Premiere Manufacturing, located at that corner. They, and police, cordoned off a block surrounding the site to make sure any leaking gas would not ignite.

A NW Natural Gas emergency service technician checks for leaks, and turns off the gas supply. You can also see the skid marks leading up to the building and the impact point on the cement block wall.

As NW Natural Gas gets the service safely shut off for the building, Engine 25 and Truck 25 firefighters arrive. “Our personnel accompanied a representative of Premiere,” reports Lt. Allen Oswalt, “to inspect the inside of the building. They were checking both for gas fumes and the structural integrity of the wall that was hit. PGE crews also checked the utility pole and guy wire.”

Wiggins was cited for Reckless Driving, Schmautz says..

Was it murder in Mill Park? Detectives look into fight-related death

Two men weren’t fighting about money, drugs, booze‚ nor woman‚ word is, they were beefing over an apartment complex parking space. See exclusive photos here‚

Distraught friends and family members gather outside the complex shortly after the incident.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even though it’s bitter cold, relatives and friends of 39-year-old Robert Duerksen gather in the darkness on the north side of SE Division St., just south of SE 130th Avenue.

Some were crying, others shrieking, still others comforting and calming those distraught by Duerksen’s sudden death. “It’s not right,” a young lady loudly cried out, “you can’t just kill someone like that.”

Authorities are uncertain what, exactly, was caused 39-year-old Robert Duerksen to die.

Called on a fight
On March 27, at 7:45 pm, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers roll to the 12900 block of SE Division St. They expect to be breaking up a fight in the parking lot of an apartment complex.

But, when officers arrive, they discover the body of a 39-year-old white male who had apparently collapsed during the fight. Medical personnel race to the scene and attempt to revive him. However, Duerksen is pronounced dead at the scene.

Parking spot fisticuffs
“Parking here is really tight,” says a man who claims to be familiar with the apartment complex. “I’ve seen other fights break out over a parking spot.”

It doesn’t take long for police to finger Duerksen’s neighbor, 33-year-old Christopher Michael Jordan, as the other party involved in the fight.

“While the subjects were fighting,” Portland Police’s spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us, “Duerksen reportedly collapsed and began to complain of a breathing problem. Duerkson was helped into an apartment where he lost consciousness and died.”

Police say this man, Christopher Michael Jordan, was the individual with whom Duerksen was fighting‚ over a parking space‚ when he died.

Unregistered sex offender with drug warrant
During the subsequent investigation, Schmautz reports, detectives contact and arrest Jordon on an outstanding drug warrant and a new charge‚ “Failing to Register as a Sex Offender”. Jordon was booked into the Justice Center Jail.

Homicide classification pending tox report
The following day, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner conducts an autopsy. The report comes back inconclusive; the investigation is unable to determine a cause of death.

See the cones? Police say the brief-yet-deadly fight started and ended at that spot.

Duerksen’s death has been classified as a Homicide pending the results of the toxicology examination.

Detectives do not believe there are any additional suspects in this continuing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lynn Courtney at (503) 823-0451 or Detective Steve Ober at (502) 823-4033.

‘Canada’s best pot’ now grown in Portland homes

Read how Canadian marijuana growers team up with
lawless locals to farm “BC Bud” in quiet, upscale neighborhood homes‚
maybe, in a house next door to you! Finally, we can tell this shocking
story‚

When they raided a massive indoor pot farm
in this Argay home in January, officials from three anti-drug agencies
asked us to “hold” the story. Now, this shocking tale can be told.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On
January 22, a tip from a reader leds us to investigate odd activity at
a nice looking home, still festooned with holiday lights, at 13510 NE
Freemont Court, in the Argay Neighborhood. As we rolled up on scene, we
saw what appeared to be many law enforcement vehicles, both marked and
unmarked.

We were approached by members of the Multnomah
County Sheriff’s Office. They asked why we were there; we told them we
were following up on a tip. They drove off.

Then, a Portland Police Drugs and Vice squad
officer spied us with our camera, and came over enquiring about our
activities. We pointed to our press credential; he shrugged and went
back into the home.

Finally, a Regional Organized Crime Narcotics
Agency (ROCN) investigator, Scott C. Groshong, gave us a hard look, and
questioned our activities. We explained we got a tip that there was a
“massive” law enforcement action on this otherwise quiet Argay side
street.

Members of several law enforcement
agencies swarmed around this nice-looking Argay home. Officials asked
that we didn’t show their many undercover officers and vehicles.

“I can’t ask you to leave,” Groshong told us. “But,
we’d appreciate your cooperation. This is part of a larger drug
operation. If you could hold the story, it would help our
investigation.”

Groshong promised he’d share full details with both
the press and the neighborhood association as the investigation wound
down. We agreed.

Regional Organized Crime Narcotics Agency
(ROCN) investigator Scott Groshong gives an eye-opening show-and-tell
presentation to Argay neighbors. We agreed not to photograph him; he
often works undercover.

Urban farming: Indoor pot grows
Fast forward to March 20‚ the meeting of the Argay Neighborhood Association, at Portland Fire & Rescue Station 2.

After a brief business meeting, neighborhood chair
Valerie Curry introduces the program: the ROCN Task Force report on
marijuana growing operations.

True to his word, ROCN Investigator Groshong steps up, and begins by telling how indoor pot farming came about.

9/11 tightens borders
“Canada
has a soft policy on drug use,” Groshong begins. “They’ve nearly
legalized marijuana. The majority of the better-quality marijuana crop
is grown in Canada, and sold here for a lot of money. We’re talking
about a crop that sells for thousands of dollars per pound.”

Turning to indoor marijuana growing operations,
Groshong continues, “This is a situation that’s evolved since the 9/11
attack on the World Trade Center. Rather than crossing the border, some
groups found it easier to ‘set up shop’ here in the Pacific Northwest,
and grow here. Crop grown ‘in country’ eliminated the risk of being
apprehended at the border crossing and, at the same time, dramatically
reduced their transport costs.”

Seeded in Seattle
The
indoor growing trend, Groshong reports, started in Seattle. “They’ve
uncovered at least 80 grow houses there. The houses, dedicated to
growing marijuana, produce between 400 and 600 plants per house. Each
plant will produce a couple of pounds of high quality marijuana.”

This pot isn’t grown by laid-back, happy old
hippies, suggests Groshong. Instead, these operations are run by
organized-crime groups. “We estimate $16 Billion in U.S. currency has
flowed back to Canada. The grow operations in the U.S. help support
their importation of cocaine into Canada.”

While pot has been grown indoors, he added, it is
hard to fit more than fifty to 100 plants in a home that is occupied.
But, with the entire house, garage, and basement dedicated to indoor
farming, one building can produce a lot of marijuana.

Argay neighbors are stunned by the detailed
revelations‚ although several of them said they suspected this activity
was going on in their community, and were glad to see law enforcement
was taking action.

Famed pot farmed in Argay
The
investigator says pot “grow houses” have been set up across the
Portland metropolitan area. Over the last 18 months, law enforcement
officials have found the grow operations sprouting up houses in outer
Northeast Portland‚ particularly Argay.

“Some of the houses in Argay been relatively large
grows,” Groshong comments. “The house on NE Freemont Court had about
400 plants; this was a relatively small grow. You can see, this is
being done on a commercial scale.”

When asked, “Why Argay?” Groshong says he
suspects the location was almost picked at random. “These are nice,
older homes. If the house is kept up, most neighbors won’t suspect a
house has been turned into a growing operation. And, the older homes
aren’t as airtight. New homes don’t breathe well. Grow operations need
buildings that ‘breathe’.”

The volume of plants grown in these operations defies the imagination.

Houses ruined by indoor farming
Growing so many plants in an enclosed space produces an abundance of heat and moisture.

“In some of the operations we’ve seen,” Groshong
explains, “the water vapor condenses and runs down the walls and
windows. Because of the warmth, mold and mildew grow everywhere.
Typically, a house used for indoor crop production will require as much
as $30,000 to $50,000 worth of renovation before it can be occupied
again.”

The plants take between 90 and 120 days to grow;
thus, growers get three “crop cycles” a year out of a house. “We are
seeing the groups move after four to eight growing/harvesting cycles,”
he adds. “With all of the damage inside, I’m surprised the NE Freemont
Court house is now up for sale.”

Years ago, Groshong comments, growers rented
buildings. Nowadays, the group of growers buys houses, usually with
sub-prime loans; they plan to own them for only a short period of time.

Stolen juice and odd smells
It
takes a lot of “juice”, electricity, to run a growing operation. To
avoid detection, and lower their power bills, the growers have
developed methods of tapping electricity before it reaches the electric
meter.

“In addition to growing marijuana, some of these
growers have stolen as much as $60,000 in electricity; it’s a class C
Felony to steal power.”

And, we’re told, a pot farm gives off a strong
odor. Sophisticated operations have knocked holes in walls, ceilings
and floors to install ductwork connected to activated charcoal
filtering systems to reduce the heat and moisture‚ and smell‚ generated
by the operation.

The filter, alone, costs about $600. “Growers spend about $20,000 to set up a grow house,” Groshong tells the group.

The electrical wiring powering lighting and watering equipment is haphazard; often setting the houses on fire.

Dangerous neighbors
Although
the grow operations are typically more benign, at least compared to
meth labs, they still present a danger to the neighborhood, he said.

“The substandard wiring, both used to steal power,
and done within the home, often causes fires,” explains Groshong. But
now a new issue is home invasions. When competitors or other criminals
learn where a grow operation is set up, they’ll break in and try to
steal the crop. These people are often armed and dangerous.”

Don’t let your neighborhood become a haven
for pot growers. Read how to spot these commercial “grow houses”‚ and
what to do about it!

Protecting your neighborhood
Groshong
credits alert citizens for helping them bust several grow-house
operations across the greater Portland area‚ including in outer East
Portland. “One neighbor called to tell us a house ‘didn’t look right’.”

The operators of some houses hire landscapers and
put out holiday decorations. Some clever crooks put some furniture in
the living room area and set lights to operate on timers.

Regardless of the trimmings, look for ‘closed up’
houses that looks like no one is ever there, instructs Groshong. Also,
be on the lookout for “visitors” who stay an hour or so and leave‚
they’re tending the plants. And, there will often be a buzz of activity
in and around this otherwise quiet house, during their plant harvest.

“If you see suspicious activity, call the DVD
Hotline at (503) 823-0246 for the DVE hotline,” Groshong concludes.
“They take complaints and track them. Officers will get the tips and
look at the house. The more calls on a house, the more likely we’ll
look more closely at it.”

Tree-cutting accident severely injures two

This family didn’t think they needed a professional arborist to cut down at tree at their house. Read about what happened next, that sent two men to the hospital‚

In an instant, a family tree-cutting party turns into a tragic event, as a limb pins two family members to the ground. After freeing them, Portland Fire & Rescue workers stabilize the two victims.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because members of the homeowner’s family had successfully trimmed away the branches and smaller limbs, it seemed like the rest of the tree removal job would be a snap. Actually, it was louder than that, and more painful.

Two men were steadying a large branch, at the home in the 6400 block of SE 74th Avenue, about 7 p.m. on March 18. Then, “crack” ‚Äì loud enough to startle neighbors across the street‚ and the limb dropped on the two men below it.

After being strapped to a backboard, the most seriously injured man is stabilized with a neck brace.

Helping out when at the time of the accident is Vicente Aguilar. On scene, he tells us the branch “just fell off. It hit one of my brother-in-laws in the neck, and knocked down the other one.”

Praises fast emergency response
In less than five minutes, Aguilar says, the first fire truck pulls up to the house.

“The call came in as a ‘pin in’,” the navigator of Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 11 says, “but it was a ‘pin under’. We’re taking care of two people who look fairly seriously injured by the falling branch.”

Ready to be transported, the second victim is wheeled on a gurney toward an ambulance.

Due to new privacy laws, information on the condition of the injured men is not available to the press.

“Our firemen are nothing but the best,” says Aguilar. “We have the best rescue people in the whole world. They were professional. They know what to look for, and treated the guys the best. Please thank them.”

We certainly will pass on your praise to them, Mr. Aguilar.

Crooks profit from lottery — but not by winning jackpots

CRIME STOPPERS: Look at this story‚ let’s see if we can find these gambling-machine busting thugs, and put them behind bars‚

As they stroll into the gaming room, authorities say, these guys don’t depend on luck ‚Äì they crowbar-open the machines, and steal the cash inside.

Story by David F. Ashton
Two guys have taken megabucks from lottery earnings‚ but it isn’t because they have stupendously good luck. Instead of relying on good fortune, they use a crowbar.

Check their brazen MO
During business hours, with customers and staff in the building, these two thieves walk into restaurants or bars, and take a seat at the lottery machines.

Then, they whip out a crowbar or some sort of prying tool, pry the machine open, and take the cash.

Customers have been sitting right next to the suspects unaware to the crime being committed. In less than two minutes, the bad guys pry the machines open and slip out with thousands of dollars.

Anyone you recognize? Call Crime Stoppers and turn ’em in!

Let’s put an end to their crime spree
Bill’s Steakhouse, 10227 NE Sandy Blvd, has also been hit twice — March 9 and March 20. The Tic Toc at SE 112 at Division St. was hit on March 12. Most recently, machines at the Firescape Bar at NE 90th Ave and Sandy Blvd. were busted open on March 21.

Suspect #1 is described as a white male, 30s, 5’9″ tall, 220 pounds, with brown hair, wearing long shorts, and tennis shoes with a reflective strip down the top of the shoes.
Suspect #2 is described as a white male, 20-30 years of age, 5’9″ tall and 200 pounds.

The suspects may be associated with a white 1992 Suzuki Samurai, with a possible Washington license plate of 788PHG.

Don’t let these crooks get away. Your anonymous tip could be worth $1,000.

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 can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (823-4357).

Dope peddler’s potshots at cop propel him toward prison

Here’s the whole story of why SE 39th Ave. & Holgate St., including the Woodstock Trader Joe’s, was shut down on March 12‚ and, learn about the man police are honoring as a hero for fingering the alleged felon‚

All through the evening of March 12, traffic was routed around the crime scene where a wanted man shot at police officer‚ for no apparent reason.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What starts off as a routine traffic stop turns into a one-sided shooting spree and manhunt on Monday, March 12.

Folks driving home from work, perhaps planning to shop at Trader Joe’s on SE 39th Ave. south of Holgate Boulevard, find area streets blocked off with yellow “police crime scene” tape.

At traffic stop, passenger opens fire
“About 5:20 p.m., Portland Police Bureau SE Precinct Officer Robert Wullbrandt pulled over a black Buick Regal for a traffic violation,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us on scene.

Schmautz says the car pulled in to the north end of the Trader Joe’s parking lot, followed by Wullbrandt’s patrol car. Inexplicably, as the officer is starting to chat with the driver of the auto he stopped, a passenger “bolts out of the car’s backseat and starts running eastbound across SE 39th Ave.”

As Wullbrandt chases after the fleeing man, the subject turns, takes aim, and fires his semiautomatic weapon at the officer. Because of Wullbrandt’s training, the officer resists the impulse to return fire and risk wounding the many bystanders.

As the gunman nears SE Holgate Boulevard, he stumbles, turns, and shoots again, before disappearing around the corner.

Members of the Special Emergency Reaction Team direct the evacuation of nearby residents and begin to negotiate with the alleged gunman from their post in the Trader Joe’s parking lot on SE. 39th Street.

The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) is activated, the area is cordoned off.

Biker aids cops
Meantime, while the foot chase passes him, Greg Geist is astride his motorcycle, stopped at a red light on 39th at Holgate.

“I heard a gunshot, and saw a man fall,” Geist reports. “He got up and continued running, chased by a police officer. He had a semi-automatic pistol in his right hand.”
As the alleged shooter continues running in a labored jog, Geist finds himself in the dangerous position of being between the suspect and the officer, as Officer Wullbrandt ducks for cover.

The vehicle from which the gunman leaped is parked right where it was originally stopped for an unsafe lane change, in the Trader Joe’s parking lot.

Watches shooter’s getaway into apartment
Geist watches the suspect hike down Holgate. Still on his bike, Geist follows the man who had the gun into an apartment complex, and notes that he enters an apartment through a particular sliding glass door.

The alert motorcyclist then returns to the intersection to give officers a detailed description of the man he followed, and points out the specific apartment the suspect had entered.

The SERT officers evacuate nearby residents. After several hours, Hostage Negotiators talk the suspect into surrendering, and he is taken into custody without incident.

Police allege this man, 24-year-old Nicholas Ramon Onuskanvich, is the person who took a couple of poorly-aimed shots at the officer.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Ramon Onuskanvich, is booked into jail on an outstanding warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, plus ‚Äì now — one count of Attempted Aggravated Murder.

Afterward, geist called a hero
At a ceremony held on Friday, March 16, at the Portland Justice Center, Greg Geist’s actions are lauded.

At the March 16 commendation ceremony are Officer Robert Wullbrandt, Greg Geist, Police Spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, and Portland’s Police Chief, Rosie Sizer.

Geist’s commendation reads, in part, “Without Mr. Geist’s assistance, even with a thorough canvassing of the area, the dangerous suspect might not have been found. Mr. Geist’s detailed description of the events and the suspect was a tremendous assist to all involved.”

Chief Sizer presents the Citizens Medal of Heroism to Greg Geist.

Just before she hangs a medallion around Geist’s neck, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer says, “We all wonder, in a crisis, how we would react. Mr. Geist, you acted very well. You helped police officers in a time of real jeopardy. You helped all of us, by getting a dangerous person off the streets. And you did so, exercising good judgment and calculating the risk. I, and all of our officers, appreciate your actions that day.

“On behalf of the Portland Police Bureau, I present you with the Citizens Medal of Heroism.”

Looking somewhat overwhelmed by his tribute, Geist thanks the Portland Police Bureau for honoring him.

An unassuming champion responds
After being presented with a card from the Police Association’s Robert King, Geist steps forward.

“When I came here today, I’d hope to meet Chief Sizer to tell her how impressed I was with every police officer I came in contact on Monday. They were very professional and humane. Thank you all.”

Reporters ask Geist to show his medal.

Talking with reporters, Geist answers their questions: “No, I didn’t feel in danger. My heart raced a little bit when I saw both the officer and the gunman with their guns out. I just followed him, and kept an eye on him.”

‘Intentionally set’ blaze damages Parkrose home

No one was injured in the fire, officials say; but you’ll see the damage this conflagration caused to a home in this quiet neighborhood in outer NE Portland ‚Ä¶

Neighbors say things are usually pretty quiet along the 10600 block of NE Knott St., where this fire took place.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Damage to the modest, one-story frame home in the 10600 block of NE Knott St. in Parkrose isn’t great. But, how ‚Äì and why ‚Äì the fire started concerns some area neighbors.

Youngster spots blaze
“I saw a light in front of our house,” explains Jesse Almasan, whose family lives across the street from the fire-damaged home.

“I thought it was my sister coming back from the library.” The young man continues. “I looked out the window and saw a house burning. I called my

Dad and told him to call 9-1-1 because the neighbor’s house, across the street was on fire.”

When neighbor Jesse Almasan saw fire, he made sure his dad quickly called 9-1-1.

The helpful neighbor says he could see fire burning out from the front of the house. “You could really see the flames. It’s too bad this happened. I used to mow the lawn for the lady who owns the house.”

Police arrive before firefighters
Jesse’s father, George Almasan, picks up the story: “Two police cars were here in less than two minutes, and asked if someone was in the house. It looked as if it was empty because no cars were around it in the driveway. I thought there was someone there.”

Telling us his family has lived there for 19 years, the father adds, “l sorry for them. We got to know them. They are very nice people. It is very sad.”

Other neighbors also report seeing police cars arrive before fire units. We’re told that one individual, exhibiting signs of emotional distress, is seen being escorted out by officers.

In the chief’s words
“We have a fire in a single-family residence,” confirms Battalion Chief Chris Babcock.

One occupant was transported by ambulance to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital, Babcock tells us on scene. “Her exact situation ‚Ä¶ nothing fire-related. The individual was taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Engine 12 is the first to arrive, quickly followed by an engine, truck, and rescue unit from Station 2. Crews from Stations 19 and 7 also respond to the fire.

An individual, whom neighbors say lives in the home, looks on as firefighters make sure the fire is completely out.

Word from the experts: Fire intentionally set
Although this incident remains under investigation, Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt later tells us they believe the fire was “intentionally set”.

“It may look like the home was severely damaged,” Oswalt continues, “but crews knocked down the fire in minutes. It was hot enough to burn off the PP&L power line, but the fire was contained in the carport area. The home mostly suffered only smoke damage.”

No smoke detectors
There were no smoke detectors in the home, Oswalt adds. “There’s no reason NOT to have a working smoke detector. Today’s units are reliable and inexpensive. And, we have a program that will supply ‚Äì and will even mount ‚Äì a smoke detector in a home of anyone who can’t afford one.”

To learn the conditions that apply to that offer, citizens can call the Smoke Detector Hotline at (503) 823-3752.

“One last thing,” Oswalt adds, “we’ve had several apartment fires in East Portland. Please remind tenants that the landlord is required, by law, to provide a working smoke alarm. They are also responsible for testing it on a regular basis, to ensure that it will give residents the early warning they need, in the event of a fire.”

Cops chase unconscious driver from Wilkes to Glenfair

Police race to investigate calls about a “Cadillac driving itself ‚Äì badly”. Curiosity turns to concern for the officers, when the sedan charges, head-on, toward their patrol cars ‚

By coordinating their efforts, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Tommy Newberry and Sgt. Dave Steele bring the car‚ said to be driven by a nearly-unconscious woman‚ to a safe stop.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Although it may have sounded like a prank, 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers take seriously the calls about a “Cadillac driving itself ‚Äì badly” on March 14.

“Calls started coming at 12:20 p.m.,” reports Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “from people saying they were seeing a blue Cadillac driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of NE Sandy Blvd. Reports ranged from describing the car as being unoccupied to others saying the driver had to be drunk, high, or unconscious.”

The “undriven” car veers south
Somehow, the Cadillac turns south on NE 162nd Ave.

East Precinct Officer Schultz sees the careening Caddy first, as it passes NE Stanton St. in Wilkes.

“Near NE Halsey St.,” says Sgt. Dave Steele as he picks up the story, “I see the car, on the wrong side of NE 162nd, coming directly at me, head-on. I swerve off the road to avoid a head-on collision.”

As the big blue sedan passes, Steele says, he sees an elderly lady in the drivers seat. “I noticed her mouth was open, her eyes were looking up, and she was leaning back and appeared to be having a seizure or was unconscious.”

East Precinct Officer Tommy Newberry shows us the small damage his unique intervention technique caused to his vehicle.

Charges another patrol car
As the mostly out-of-control Caddy continues its southbound spree, Officer Tommy Newberry spots the car.

“Driving north on NE 162nd Ave., south of Halsey St., and I see Schultz, Steele, and the Cadillac. It crosses the center line of the road, heading right toward me. I swerved out of the way. As it went by, I could see a tiny, elderly lady in the driver’s seat.”

The woman, Newberry says, isn’t “actively driving the car. She’s slumped down, clearly not in control of the vehicle”.

Glisan St. looms
Sgt. Steele performs a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, unsuccessfully. The Cadillac swerves and then continues ahead at 35 mph.

“It looked likely she was going to drive through the red light, and plow into cross traffic at NE Glisan St,” Newberry continues. “Another PIT could have thrown the car out of control. I came up next to her car, steered into it, and gave it all the horsepower I safely could. I left about 70 feet of good burnout marks on the pavement as I pushed the car into the curb. But, the car was still trying to surge out of the stop.”

At the same time, Officer Schultz placed the push bumper of his patrol car against the rear side of the Cadillac. Sgt. Steele finally halted the run-away Caddy by nosing in, pinning it in place.

Everyone involved, including driver, 87-year-old Alma McKnight, later found to be driving on a suspended license, escaped the oddball pursuit and stop without injury.

Driver uninjured, but unconscious
Paramedics from Portland Fire & Rescue’s Engine 74 assist removing the driver, identified as McKnight, out of her vehicle. She is found to be uninjured by the officer’s actions but is unresponsive. McKnight is Portland Adventist Hospital for medical attention.
Citizens lead cheer

Several citizens look on, and cheer the officers for bringing one of the most unusual pursuits in East Precinct history to a safe ending.

“It’s amazing to me,” Newberry muses, “that there are no injures or serious damage caused here today.”

McKnight is later revealed to have a suspended driver’s license, due to an undisclosed “medical condition”.

Despite all that happened, she told KATU-TV afterward, in a broadcast interview, that “I never drove through a red light, I never drove on the wrong side of the street, the police damaged my car; it’s age discrimination. I definitely will keep driving.”

Look out.