See how the eagle-eyed sleuths at East Portland’s Crime Reduction Unit nabbed two suspects who were holding thousands of “hits” of “crystal meth” ‚Ķ

Officer Anthony Passadore, one of the two original CRU members, shows us the POUNDS of methamphetamine, cocaine, and cash cops found being smuggled inside a car, at a SE Portland bust.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most common “complaints” about Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), Commander Michael Crebs says, is these officers are so friendly, criminals find they can’t help but talk and reveal information about their nefarious activities.

Since the CRU crew was formed in 2005, they’ve only gotten better at taking down those trafficking in large quantities of dope.

I met up with Officer Anthony Passadore, one of the two original CRU members, for a “show-and-tell” about their latest arrest.

“On January 29, at 8:13 p.m.,” Passadore begins, “CRU officers conducted a traffic stop at SE Powell Blvd at 129th Ave. While talking to the occupants, officers received permission to conduct a search of the car.

“During the search, officers located a hidden compartment in the dashboard of the car.  The compartment contained two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, one pound of cocaine and just over $10,000 in cash.

These drugs and cash stash were concealed in a secret, dashboard compartment.

Because the drug is usually sold in gram quantities, this bust took thousands of doses of meth off the street, Passadore tells us. Because the drugs haven’t been tested, they didn’t know if it was pure or “cut” (diluted). “If it was pure meth, it would easily double the amount of meth that would to on the street.”

Caught in a flood of drugs
About every two months, Passadore continues, their unit seizes about this same quantity of illicit narcotics, but usually not in just one bust. This is the third largest seizure they’ve had since the unit started up in 2005, he says.

I reminisce with Passadore about how that the CRU unit started with the “Tired of Tweekers” campaign in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood area ‚Äì partly at the instance of then-chair Glenn Taylor.

One of the original “meth-busters”, Passadore slipped off his jacket to show he is wearing his “colors” ‚Äì the original anti-crime campaign’s T-Shirt.

Passadore smiles, and confides to me, “I’ve still got my ‘Tired of Tweekers’ T-shirt from back when we started the unit. In fact, David, in honor of that campaign, I’m wearing it today.” He slipped off his jacket and showed the garment to the assembled press.

“But remember,” Passadore says, “This isn’t about any single officer. This is a perfect example of how the CRU team comes together to produce significant results.”

Crime-fighting by observation
Often, people wonder how CRU cops make big drug busts like this; some accuse the officers of “profiling” people by age, race or any number of other categories.

“On the street,” Passadore explains, “we’re observing behaviors. We’re looking for potential indicators of criminal activity. When we spot enough indicators to suggest criminal activity is taking place, we take a closer look. Often, it starts with a conversation, or a traffic stop.”

He adds that CRU officers work together and share their knowledge and experience. This helps cops refine their techniques and become better observers.

“And, we also study current case law to make sure that the work we do in this office is solid, so the prosecutor has a solid case. We want to make sure people who bring this type of drugs into our community are stopped and punished in the criminal court system,” Passadore assures me.

Two in custody

(Left) Jose Juan Zavala Huitron and (Right) Pedro Cervantez Urbina are the ones said to have been caught with pounds of dope in this bust. (PPB booking photos)

33-year-old Jose Juan Zavala Huitron and his passenger, 26-year-old Pedro Cervantez Urbina were charged with charged with two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and booked into the Justice Center Jail.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The sound of shots ringing out did indeed come from guns during both events. But you’ll be surprised to learn WHY those shots were fired, in these two odd cases ‚Ķ

Not knowing what they’d face, members of the SERT unit gear up and ready their armored vehicle, as they go into action on SE 92nd Ave. south of Foster Road on January 28.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seems too cold and windy on Sunday night, January 28, for crooks to be out shooting up the Lents neighborhood.

Nevertheless, 9-1-1 operators start getting “shots fired” calls from people in the area of SE 92nd Ave. south of Foster Road.

At the scene, we talk with Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Cathe Kent. “We’re here because we’ve gotten calls from neighbors that they thought they were being shot at, or that there were shots coming from a home here.”

The first officer arriving, Kent tells us, believed he heard gunfire.

Immediately, 100 members worshiping in a church, directly across from the home in question, are asked to stay inside, and away from the west wall of the building. SE 92nd Avenue is shut down; eastbound traffic on SE Foster Road is rerouted as the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and The Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) respond to the scene.

Residents of neighboring homes are evacuated and taken to a waiting TriMet bus, parked the New Copper Penny lot.

The Mobile Command Center rolls into place on SE 92nd Ave., about a block north of Foster Road.

Police officers make contact and three occupants of the house in question walked out on their own; three additional occupants were eventually talked out by the HNT team.

The area remained “locked down” while officers searched for a seventh subject, who was finally located and stopped in the 6100 block of SE 93rd Avenue. All seven are currently being detained, and are being interviewed by investigators.

The next day, it looks as if the “indoor rifle range” is getting some badly needed renovation.

Indoor target practice
Officers go through the home at 6131 Southeast 92nd Avenue. One cop confides to us, “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen or smelled.” He says he thinks it’s a “flophouse”, badly in need of disinfecting. During their search, they find a .22 caliber rifle.

Finally the “all clear” signal is given, and everyone packs up to go home.

Unofficially, an officer tells us, “It seems residents were doing some ‘target practice’ inside this house, starting about 5 p.m. From what I’ve heard, they seemed unaware that the bullets were penetrating the walls, and zinging through the neighborhood, scaring the heck out of everyone!”

The incident remains under investigation; charges have yet to be filed.

But read on! There’s more!

About 2:00 p.m. on January 31, police say, they took a call from a woman in the area of SE 118th and Ogden Court about her husband shooting a gun in their home.

The Mobile Command Center rolls into place in southern East Portland, responding to a “shots-fired” call.

At the scene, police spokesman Sgt Brian Schmautz informs us, “She says her husband was shooting off rounds in the home. He had some suicidal issues. She was concerned for her personal safety, and for her husband’s well-being.”

Hears shots ring out
A nearby resident, Burdel Roberts, tells us, “I heard what sounded like one shot. I didn’t know what it was. The wife called and asked me to look out; the police were all around the house.

“I looked out my door, and a police officer came out of the bushes and said, ‘Get back in the house’. I was sitting in the den and about 30 minutes later, he knocked on the door, saying they were evacuating the area. So, we left.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs directs officers as they search for the suspect.

As the police cordon off the area, they get word the shooter has left his home, and has gone into the nearby woods on foot.

The shooting call triggers the SERT team’s arrival. “While there is a full call-out,” explains Sgt. Schmautz, “we don’t have an actual deployment.”

At the scene, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Sgt. Brian Schmautz fills us in on the latest outer East Portland SERT call-out.

About two hours later, the suspect walks out of the woods. “He didn’t have the gun with him; he left it inside the home,” says Schmautz. He is taken into custody without incident. He isn’t found to be hurt in any way, and is taken in for a mental health evaluation. “It appears to be an issue of deteriorating mental health. He didn’t appear to be shooting at his wife.”

The sergeant did say at least two rounds were fired inside the home. “We don’t know his motivation. He didn’t hit any portion of his body. It appears he was despondent for some reason.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The police aren’t sure whether or not to charge the poor driver with “hit & run” since he walked away from the scene ‚Äì after giving his cell phone to the driver of the SUV he hit ‚Ķ

Cops try to sort out what happed in this violent smash-up on SE Woodstock Blvd.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
During the mid-January snowstorm, we saw a number of accidents caused by drivers traveling faster than was safe for the slick conditions. Other wrecks were caused by speeding, running traffic signals or inattention.

The cause of this wreck left the police – and victim – scratching their heads. And, what happened afterward puzzled them even more.

On January 23, the driver of a Ford Bronco told us, “I was driving east on Woodstock, going the speed limit. Near the corner of SE 62nd Ave., I noticed a white car was going west. He turned south [on SE 62nd Ave.], right in front of me. Just like that ‚Äì just like I wasn’t even there.”

We’d noticed that the collision air bags had deployed in the small white car, which was now missing most of its front end, parked on the tree lawn across the street.

The headlight is still shining, on the vehicle whose driver was said to have caused the accident – and then walked away from the scene.

“What happened to him?” we asked the victim as she examined her vehicle’s flattened tire and crumpled fender.

“It was the strangest thing,” she replied. “A guy got out of the car. It looked like he had some kind of [colostomy] bag that had ruptured or was leaking.” The man told her he’d be right back, and needed to find a gas station. He headed west on Woodstock Blvd. “But, he left his cell phone with me,” she added.

Both vehicles were too damaged to drive and were towed from the scene.  The victim said she wasn’t injured, but did wonder about the condition of the man, last seen dribbling westward on foot.

Police on scene said they couldn’t comment on whether or not charges would be filed until they’d made contact with the absent driver.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why eyewitnesses said they couldn’t believe their eyes, seeing the trailer’s singed resident still standing outside, after the explosion that rocked this Powellhurst-Gilbert trailer park ‚Ķ

Although officials still say this fire is officially under investigation, witnesses claim the lone occupant smelled natural gas just before he lit up a cigarette – apparently sparking a fireball that destroyed his mobile home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks who live in and near Ranchette Manor say this mobile home park is typically quiet and peaceful. But on January 24, an explosion, followed by a fireball, in this Powellhurst-Gilbert park on SE Powell Blvd. at SE 109th Avenue, stunned residents.

“I was emptying my recyclables,” Dave LaFollette, owner of the Back to the Grind coffee shop at the park’s entrance, tells us. “I hear a ‘pop’ and look over my shoulder. Then, there is an explosion. I see the top of Jerry’s single-wide trailer blow about three feet off the walls before it falls back into the trailer.”

LaFollette says he and others raced to the mobile home, now completely engulfed in flames. Many had cell phones in hand, calling 9-1-1 Emergency.

“Jerry, the guy who lives there, was standing outside. He looked dazed; and like he was badly burned,” LaFollette continues. “It seemed like the fire department was there immediately.”

The lone occupant of the mobile home is rushed to Emanuel Hospital, with 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 30% of his body, in this ambulance.

Another neighbor, who asked not to be identified, shook her head looking at the twisted, burning metal shell that once was a home. “I’m surprised he’s alive and was standing outside. He said he went to light up a smoke, and the next thing he knew, he was on fire.”

Three-minute response
According to Portland Fire & Rescue’s official records, trucks started rolling at 1:07 p.m. and arrived on-scene 1:10 p.m. In all, four engines and two ladder companies from Portland Fire & Rescue stations 7, 11, 45 and 29 responded to the fiery explosion.

Firefighters keep the flames from spreading to nearby mobile homes in the park. The trailer where the fire started, however, is declared a total loss.

Fire medics treated and stabilized the patient while other firefighters began fighting the fire.

On scene, we speak with Battalion 3 Chief Chris Babcock. He confirms our witnesses’ stories: “We had a lone occupant in the trailer. He reported a smell of natural gas. Shortly thereafter, there was an explosion. He was transported to Emanuel Hospital with burn injuries.”

“Our firefighters face challenges fighting this fire,” says Lt. Allen Oswalt, the bureau’s spokesperson, as we stand together, viewing the smoldering debris at the scene. “There is limited, cramped access to the site; and, we are concerned that electric power lines might fall on personnel and equipment.”

The older mobile home park has narrow streets, making access more difficult, firefighters say.

Fire Investigators from Portland Fire & Rescue are treating the area as a crime scene, to keep any evidence in the debris field intact for recovery.

Although there are indications of a gas leak contributing to the explosion, fire investigators will only say the fire is still under investigation. The official word: “It is not known at this time what caused the explosion.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office busts another meth trafficker and surprises his customers, when they come around his Centennial neighborhood apartment to buy some dope¶

Tucked away in a back unit of this apartment complex was a dope dealer, ready to peddle 4,500 “hits” of methamphetamine.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Around the clock, deputies of Multnomah County Sheriff Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are sniffing out drug importers and retailers. And, they’re not looking for guys selling ibuprofen!

When the SIU gets a tip that a meth peddler had set up shop in a low-slung apartment complex in the Centennial Community Association in the 16100 block of SE Main Street a few days ago, they dropped by to pay a visit.

“It’s called a ‘knock-and-talk’,” Lt. Jason Gates, Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s office, tells us. “Deputies just show up, and talk with whomever is at the suspected location.”

This suspect, Jorge Hijar-Taizan, alleged to be a meth distributor, has a new home address: the Multnomah County Detention Center. (MCSO photo)

About 8:00 p.m. on January 18, a “knock-and-talk” at 16115 SE Main St, Apt #5, puts them face-to-face with 29-year-old Jorge Hijar-Taizan, who is allegedly babysitting over a pound ‚Äì not ounce! ‚Äì of “ice”, another name for methamphetamine.

“During the course of investigation, our personnel discovered and seized 1.25 lbs of meth. Additionally, they discovered a digital gram scale, typically used to measure out quantities of methamphetamine for sale,” says Gates.

Drug buddies surprised
While at the residence, other potential suspects came to the location, not knowing the police were there, Gates adds. “They were detained during the investigation, but ultimately weren’t charged.”

To put the bust into prospective, Gates says 1.25 pounds of meth has an “uncut” street value of $35,840, which equates to approximately 4,500 “hits” or dosage units. “The dollar amount and number of dosage units can double or triple when the product is cut [diluted].”

The interesting aspect of this case, Gates informs us, is that with the decline of meth manufacturing labs in Oregon “we have seen a marked increase in the amount of meth coming from large drug cartels in Mexico. With the reduction in labs, over the past two years, SIU investigators are now seizing meth, originating from Mexico, by the pound.”

Hijar-Taizan is being held on charges of Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), and Felony delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While the residents will have some cleaning up to do, fast response by Portland Fire & Rescue companies kept damage to their house to a minimum – and no one was injured. Read a first-person account of the fire by the man who helped build the home, more than 50 years ago …

Homeowner Walt Allen showed us where he thinks the fire started, here, outside his house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The “Residential Fire” call came in just after 4:30 a.m. on January 19.

Within minutes, the flashing lights and sirens of trucks from two Portland Fire & Rescue companies cut through the cold, damp early morning fog, in this quiet Powellhurst Gilbert neighborhood.

The residents of this ranch-style house in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood already knew their home was ablaze.

“I heard the fire alarm, and thought I smelled smoke,” homeowner Walt Allen told us outside his house in the 13700 block of SE Bush St.

Confronts fire in living room
“When I came running out into the living room, I could see flame right where we have our television. I grabbed a fire extinguisher. It slowed the fire down.”

What he didn’t know, Allen says, is that the fire had actually started outside his home, and was burning through both the exterior and interior walls. “It must have created a lot of heat; it melted a lot of stuff.”

“My wife, Marion, and I got out OK,” reports Allen, “so did our dog. So far, the worst thing was my Golden Retriever ran off. We’re looking for him right now.”

Showing us around his house, Allen said he and his father-in-law built the home in 1955. “When they passed way, they wanted us to live here; we have for the last 20 years. We have a lot of history tied up here.”

Firefighters quickly doused the flames and kept the blaze from spreading through their 50-year-old home. This pile, in the driveway, is the “overhaul” (burnt materials) from the fire.

Behind his home, Allen shows us a fish pond. “We have an electrical system around it to keep the raccoons out. Its power system is what caused the fire.” He says most of the damage inside their home is from smoke.

Commends firefighters
“They did a good job. [The firefighters] showed up right away and got the fire out,” Allen says as we walk back to the front of their home.

Looking at the pile of burned debris (called “overhaul”), he said he was afraid some valuables were burned. “I’m not sure what’s there; maybe our cellular phones. I sure hope the new camera my daughter gave me isn’t there.”

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See part of the “pot” haul deputies have garnered
– so far – as this wide-ranging investigation continues …

Sheriff Deputies are tight-lipped about their ongoing investigation of a multi-location “pot-farming” network raising hundreds of plants, like these. (MSCO Photo)

Reported by David F. Ashton
We haven’t yet been allowed to see the operations for ourselves, but Lt. Jason Gates has confirmed to us that the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO) Special Investigations Unit has busted three indoor marijuana farms.

According to Gates, “Two days last week, our personnel served search warrants at three locations in Multnomah County. [This action] resulted in the seizure and dismantling of large growing operations at each location.”

While deputies wouldn’t comment on this ongoing case, Sheriff’s Deputies indicate this pot-growing set-up is highly sophisticated. (MCSO photo)

Seized during the three “pot farm” busts, Gates says, were 920 plants, worth approximately $6 million in street value, and 8 pounds of harvested marijuana buds with a $102,000 approximate street value.

In addition to the pot, deputies are also cataloging a large assortment of sophisticated grow appliances, such as lights, airflow ducting, and industrial fans.

Outer East Portland connection
“This is an on-going investigation,” Gates tells us, “we can’t jeopardize the safety of our personnel, nor compromise the case. I can say some activity has been in your [East Portland] coverage area.”

Sheriff’s Deputies say these bags contain about 8 lbs. of harvested marijuana buds worth about $102,000 on the street. (MCSO Photo)

Gates indicates to us that there is more to this story. As it unfolds, you’ll see it here at East Portland News.

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why traffic cops gave nine East Portland drivers a “$242 reminder” to yield to pedestrians at intersections ‚Ķ

Ignoring traffic laws, drivers whiz past PDOT’s Sharon White. She’s working with Portland Police’s Traffic Division to make drivers more mindful about stopping for pedestrians along Portland’s third most dangerous avenue ‚Äì for those on foot.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Those who drive along SE 82nd Avenue of Roses often don’t pay attention to pedestrians. In fact, on December 27, we witnessed several occasions in which those on foot ‚Äì walking within marked lanes, with a green light ‚Äì almost became another accident statistic.

“We’re out here today along 82nd Ave., in front of Eastport Plaza,” Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division Commander Marty Rowley told us, “doing crosswalk safety mission in conjunction with PDOT.”

Clint Lenard, safety chair for Lents Neighborhood Association, and Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division Commander Marty Rowley, as well as Lents volunteers Judy and John Welch, observe the crosswalk enforcement action along Eastport Plaza on 82nd Avenue of Roses.

Asked why this location was chosen, Rowley responded, “Sharon White, from the Portland Office of Transportation, has been researching pedestrian safety issues. The intersection of SE 82nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard has the third-highest rate of  pedestrian accidents in the entire city.”

Rowley said that while PDOT workers are looking at this east-side pedestrian danger zone from an engineering perspective, “We came out to help educate the public by doing law enforcement.”

Ready to write (tickets)
“Specifically,” said Rowley, “we’re doing crosswalk enforcement, and looking at other violations by vehicle drivers ‚Äì disobeying traffic lights or making improper turns. It isn’t just to write tickets that we do this. We use this as an educational tool.”

Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officers are looking for drivers ‚Äì and pedestrians ‚Äì who don’t follow the street crossing laws.

Vehicle drivers weren’t the only people being issued citations or warnings while we watched.

“We don’t discriminate against vehicle drivers during these special enforcements,” the traffic bureau commander told us. “If pedestrians are crossing illegally, they will be given a citation. Jay-walking isn’t a ‘right’ in Portland, although some people behave that way.”

Police say this young lady, pushing a stroller containing a toddler, dashed across the busy intersection at SE 82nd at Holgate – against the light! Because of her dangerous behavior, she received a traffic citation.

The bottom line, Rowley instructed, is that the laws of physics apply, whether a pedestrian is in the right or not. “When a pedestrian gets hit, they don’t fare very well. Pedestrians have to accept some responsibility for their safety. Part of a pedestrian’s responsibility is to make sure it’s safe to cross a roadway when they leave a sidewalk.”

At a signalized intersection, a pedestrian has the right of way to walk when the ‘hand’ sign is on. If there isn’t a signal at a crossing, he added, the pedestrian can’t just step out in traffic and expect to be given the right-of-way.

Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division Officer Fort issues a citation for a driver who failed to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk ‚Äì she swerved around PDOT’s Sharon White and kept right on going.

28 actions taken in two hours
After working the intersection at SE Holgate Boulevard, the team moved to an unsignalized intersection in front of Eastport Plaza.

Sharon White, the PDOT researcher who identified the area as one of Portland’s most dangerous for walkers, took part in the enforcement action. Although she was dressed in a bright yellow rain slicker, cars and trucks simply whizzed past her.

Drivers who failed to yield for her were pulled over and issued a traffic citation carrying a $242 fine.

A total of 9 citations were issued for “Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian”, and the traffic cops wrote 19 more warning citations.

Did you know…?
At a signalized intersection, if the pedestrian is in the street, a driver must give pedestrians clearance of lane in which they’re traveling, plus six feet.

At unsignalized intersections, the pedestrian must first make sure it is safe to cross. Once a vehicle has stopped to allow them to cross, all other vehicles must also stop and let them cross, regardless of the lane, or direction of travel.

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

This wreck looked pretty bad. Yet, everyone walked away from it …

Fortunately, a tree and the bushes slowed down this car enough so it didn’t quite get to the Centennial neighborhood Safeway store.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The police radio crackled, “car into a building on SE 162 east of Division”. Police and Portland Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the scene. We drove out to take a look.

It didn’t help that Jan. 8 was a heavily overcast day, and a heavy mist was falling. “It may have contributed to the accident,” the officer on scene told us.

A witness told us the curb-climbing car we found driven up the lawn and almost into the Safeway store had been northbound on SE 162nd Ave. “The green SUV was pulling out of the parking lot,” she said. “Somehow, it clipped the van, and skidded around.”

This van pulled out of the lot, a witness said and may have caused the accident.

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the incident.

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

They don’t know what started the fire ‚Äì but, thanks to quick response, residents and pets are safe ‚Ķ

After finding their way through thick smoke into the basement of this home, firefighters from four companies quickly extinguished the fire.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
An early afternoon house fire broke out January 4 and closed down NE 102nd Ave. at Fremont St. for several hours.

“I was just up the street, and saw a lot of smoke coming up,” is what next-door neighbor Tina tells us. “I thought it was from my house. By the time I got home, I could see it was my neighbor’s house.”

Fast fire response saves home, lives
Other neighbors say fire trucks were pulling up before they even knew there was a problem at the modest bungalow on the outer edge of the City of Maywood Park.

Crews from four engine companies and one truck company from Portland Fire & Rescue began fighting the fire.

“We’ve got a fire in a residence,” Portland Fire & Rescue’s Battalion Chief C2 Kevin Brosseau told us on scene. “It started in the basement. There were people at home when the fire broke out. But, the residents, and their pets, got out safely.”

While the Battalion Chief said fire damage was minimal, the smoke residue on the front windows indicates the residents have some cleanup work ahead of them.

The fire was difficult to reach, Brosseau said, because of the large amount of smoke they encountered. “A smoky, basement fire is always more challenging to fight.”

How the blaze started the fire is unknown, he said. “The cause is under investigation right now.”

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Officials say this serious accident could have been avoided …

The victim’s shoes were all that remained at the scene when a woman and baby were struck on New Year’s Eve crossing SE Foster Rd. west of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For all the partying going on across outer East Portland on New Year’s Eve, most folks here were behaving safely.

Early in the evening, however a woman and a baby were seriously injured when they were hit by a car about 8:00 p.m. on December 31.

Officials told us it looked as if the woman was crossing SE Foster Road, west of the SE 82nd Ave. of Roses intersection, not at the light. “We see many people jaywalking here, to avoid waking the few extra feet to cross at the light,” an officer said at the scene.

SE Foster Rd. was blocked for hours while the accident was investigated.

We were told the car’s driver immediately stopped and cooperated with officers.

The woman, carrying an eight-month old infant, was said to be dressed in dark colored clothing, making her difficult to see on the rain-coated street.

Police did not say if the driver of the car was facing any charges.

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

You might be surprised to see what happened on New Year’s Eve when we went on patrol with one of Portland Police Bureau’s finest ‚Ķ

Officer John Billard, a three-year veteran at Portland Police Bureau East Precinct, checks a driver’s identification and writes Traffic Safety Notice to a driver ‚Äì his first one for the new year ‚Äì in the early hours of 2007.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
To most people, New Year’s Eve is an occasion to go on the town, raise the roof and party heartily, or celebrate the New Year at home.

But to many service workers, including cops, the evening hours of December 31 are merely another scheduled working shift.

On the town, on patrol
Just before 10:00 p.m., we grab our camera bag and slide into the patrol car staffed by Officer John Billard, a three-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct.

This is the first time he’s pulled a New Year’s Eve shift, the officer tells us. “By all accounts, it will be like any of the other holidays. Some people will get a little drunk and goofy.”

Billard is assigned to patrol District 40. It’s comprised of the greater Parkrose area and part of the Gateway district. It runs from SE Stark St. north to NE Sandy Blvd.; from I-206 east to Gresham.

As we set out on patrol, our area is quiet. Radio calls are infrequent. We learn that, for years, Billard worked for Macy’s in Arizona, doing “loss prevention”. Impressed with his local cop’s professionalism, he decided to change profession and become a law enforcement officer when he moved to the Portland area.

Looking for trouble
“We’re focusing on SE 160th between Burnside and Stark St.,” Billard tells us. “There’s lots of criminal activity here.” We take a slow drive through several of the apartment complexes along the way.

A manager of one of the apartment buildings walks up to the car and greets officer Billard. “We’re watching a unit here,” the manager tells the officer, “I found out they’re friends of the occupants we kicked out last week. Thanks for coming by.”

We get a radio call and head north, responding to a “panic alarm” on NE 157th Ave. between NE Broadway and Schiller. Billard meets the homeowner who says he saw someone in his garage. Another officer arrives, and both cops carefully check the home and yard. “We didn’t find anything,” Billard says, as he “clears the call”. “But we’re here to serve.”

A young man is reported shooting a BB gun at passing vehicles from his balcony. It’s at the apartments we’d just visited at SE 160th and Burnside. After checking out the complaint, Billard reports, “There were conflicting stories. We didn’t find enough ‘probable cause’ to make an arrest.” Most likely, he adds, police presence was enough to get them to stop doing it, if they were.

After neighbors flag us down, reporting activity a closed business on NE Sandy Blvd. in Parkrose, Officer Billard does a “premise check” and finds all to be secure.

Hunt for a fugitive
It’s now 30 minutes ’till midnight. Billard says he’s looking for a fugitive. The patrol car’s computer shows the female fugitive’s credentials: Arrests for prostitution, drug distribution, mail theft, fraud ‚Äì this would be a good person to get off the street before the New Year starts, he says.

He’s joined by two additional officers along NE Fremont St. in Parkrose. “She ran out the back door and got away last night. We’ll see if we can pick her up tonight.” But, the woman isn’t at the residence tonight. “We’ll get her another night,” Billard says.

Fireworks at the midnight hour
Minutes tick by. It’s midnight. As the New Year arrives, fireworks light up the East Portland sky. Celebrants at NE 148 and Glisan appear to be careless with Roman Candles. Billard talks with them briefly, they agree to be more careful.

“Compared to any other weekend night,” Billard comments, “I’m surprised at how quiet it is.”

We drive past Gateway and Parkrose businesses, including the bingo hall on outer SE Stark Street – and observe that the parking lots are filled to capacity.

A headlight is out on a white Honda driving east on Stark St. “We’re tasked to stop all vehicles with equipment violations,” Billard stays. “It gives us the opportunity to check in on the driver. We write a warning ticket if they appear sober.” The driver, a waitress just off work at Hooters, does appear sober, Billard says.

Ready for action, but all is quiet
The madness and mayhem one might expect on the New Year’s Eve shift never materializes. We ask the officer if anything has surprised him since becoming a cop.

“People say this is ‘thankless’ job,” Billard replies. “But, I’ve been thanked by citizens countless times. Not that I’m doing this job to get praised; it is still nice to know that the good people in East Portland appreciate what I ‚Äì and all of our bureau ‚Äì do out here every day and night.”

The officer pauses and a small smile breaks across his face. “The other thing is, until you actually are on the job,” he says, “it doesn’t occur to you how widely varied are some people’s ‚Äì how should I put it ‚Äì level of personal hygiene. It was more than surprising. The smell wasn’t anything I was prepared for.”

Designated drivers prevent problems
We see the driver of a gold Camry pull in front of us from a side street as we make our way west on E. Burnside St. A tail light is out. Officer Billard “lights them up” with the patrol car’s brilliant blue and red flashing lights. The driver pulls into the parking lot of an apartment building. “Sometimes, drivers try to ditch us in a parking lot,” he says.

An equipment violation leads to this traffic stop. However, the “designated driver” was, indeed sober.

Billard returns to the patrol car with the identification of the three occupants. He queries the computer and finds, as they told him, the two male riders indeed live in the building. The female driver is sober. “She’s doing the right thing tonight, by being the designated driver for her friends.”

On into the early morning hours of January 1, we continue to monitor the local party spots.

In the parking lot of Boss Hogg’s on SE 102nd, we see one person taking the car keys of another. “We’ll get your car in the morning,” was the promise we hear being made. The drunken reveler wants to argue, but sees our police cruiser stopped across the street. He accepts the ride.

It’s well after 1 a.m. The streets of outer East Portland are empty.

Lights go out at residents and businesses across the district. No murders, fights, nor drunken wrecks take place on this watch. “There wasn’t a lot of action,” Billard says as he drops us off in the cold morning air, “but perhaps, because we were seen on patrol, we saved a life or two.”

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News