Citizen’s 9-1-1 call stops convenience store robber’s crime spree

See why this alert driver – although scared out of his wits – made the right move with his phone, when a thug flashed a gun on a sunny Sunday afternoon. At last, the story can be told …

Officials accuse this man, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, of four Class A felonies, in addition to numerous charges. (Photo courtesy of Multnomah County Department of Corrections)

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The call of a frightened driver to the 9-1-1 Center – placed on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses – might possibly have saved that witness’s life – and certainly prevented another armed robbery from taking place, on Sunday, August 15.

“The call came in 2:11 p.m.,” said Portland Police Bureau (PPB) spokesperson Sgt. Pete Simpson. “The caller reported that a male, in a burgundy Jeep Cherokee, flashed a gun at him, and then pulled into the 7-11 convenience store at SE 82nd Avenue and Flavel Street.”

PPB East Precinct officers made a beeline for the intersection. “They contacted several occupants in the Jeep,” Simpson continued, “and recovered a handgun from the Jeep.”

Witnesses speculate whether or not the suspects picked up at this stop were planning to move on and rob yet another 7-11 Store. Check out the “key” in the Jeep’s ignition!

After allegedly sticking up this Powellhurst-Gilbert 7-11 Store, the crime crew appeared to be heading for another target – one in inner SE Portland.

Drawing on their investigative resources, officers linked the Jeep’s crew with a stick-up at an outer East Portland convenience store earlier in the day, Simpson revealed. “It looked as if at least one of the suspects may have been involved in an armed robbery at the 7-11 Store at SE 112th Ave. and SE Powell Blvd.”

Officials accuse this man, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, of four Class A felonies, in addition to numerous charges. MCDC photo

The suspect, 21-year-old Hector Cerillo-Alvarez, was charged with four (4) counts of Robbery in the First Degree [a Class A felony], four counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to MCDC records.

With a combined bail amount of $2 Million, Cerillo-Alvarez continues to be lodged in the Multnomah County Jail.

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