Armed market robbery jolts quiet Centennial neighborhood

The market is still closed down – and the armed robbers are still on the loose. See what’s been learned about this crime …

This neighborhood market on outer SE Powell Boulevard was the target of three armed thugs, police say.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As a worker at the small N & T Market on SE Powell Boulevard at SE 154^th Avenue were getting ready to close for the night on January 24, they were surprised by three thugs who rushed in the door of the Centennial neighborhood market.

These ruffians weren’t after a carton of milk or some smokes – they made it clear they were there to rob the store.

From districts far and wide, police officers rush to the area to join the manhunt for three robbers – at least one of them armed.

“The call came in at 9:14 p.m.,” confirmed Portland Police Bureau Public Information Officer Sgt. Peter Simpson. “East Precinct officers who responded said the three suspects demanded money.”

Apparently, the clerk wasn’t fast enough; Simpson said one of the suspects hit the clerk in the head with a handgun. “Then, all three suspects fled the area on foot. A witness reported to police that one of the suspects pointed a firearm at the witness as the suspects fled the area.”

East on SE Francis, and west on SE Gladstone, police search streets and yards.

Officers only find a quiet neighborhood – and no sign of the criminals – as they search yard-to-yard on this residential street.

One patrol car after another arrived, until at least eight officers – and a K-9 team – had fanned out into the neighborhood. But the three white male suspects dressed in dark clothing seemed to melt into the subdivision located at the northern foot of Powell Butte.

“However, a handgun was recovered,” revealed Simpson. “The victim [of the pistol-whipping at the market] was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”

If you saw something, or know anything about this crime, e-mail information to: CrimeTips@PortlandOregon.gov.

The market remains closed since the hold-up.

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