Here, an online motel ‘date’ reportedly led to a man being robbed at gunpoint, in the Lents neighborhood. Here’s how the situation resolved …
Police officers flood into the area after a man comes to see a woman he met online and then reportedly is robbed by an armed man instead, here in the Del Rancho Motel.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As drive-time traffic was starting to wind down the afternoon of September 7, a “Robbery-with Weapon” dispatch at 5:43 p.m., directing Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers and specialty unit members to the Del Rancho Motel at 7622 SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.
Soon, northbound lanes of the thoroughfare were blocked, as 13 PPB units, including a K9 cruiser, assembled in the motel’s driveway.
Taking cover behind their vehicles, officers begin loud-hailing the suspect to come out of the room.
Several officers had long guns drawn; others appeared to be preparing tear gas and bean-bag “less lethal” weapons, as a red-sash-wearing Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) officer joined the group.
Over the course of 30 minutes, an officer was loud-hailing to a room in the motel for a suspect to come out with hands raised. If not, the PA system announcement made it clear, a PPB Canine would go into the room, and “the police dog will bite you.”
A PPB Canine Division officer ducks behind a car, ready to send his partner in to apprehend the armed robbery suspect.
No shots were fired; the motel room’s door was not breached. Suddenly, officers streamed back to their vehicles and left the premises.
For a better understanding of how this situation resolved, THE BEE East Portland News turned to PPB Public Information Officer Sergeant Kevin Allen for answers.
“A victim went to a motel to meet a woman he met online, and reported that he was instead robbed at gunpoint by a man,” Sgt. Allen began.
“Officers believed that the suspect or suspects were still in the room,” he continued. “Officers surrounded the building, and loud-hailed, but no one came out,” Sgt. Allen reported.
“There were some legal and policy impediments keeping officers from going in [the room], so detectives are planning to follow up later,” Sgt. Allen said, without further clarification. It is possible the officers developed reason to doubt the situation was actually as reported.
Just before the command to break off, officers stood ready to apprehend the suspected armed robber.
If you have information to share about this incident, and have not already spoken to police, please e-mail: crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and indicate that this is regarding Case No. 22-241768.
© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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