Cops bust Lents ‘Meth House’

After finding more than just illicit drugs in his house, officials now know why the man was reluctant to come out and give himself up …

This street, near Lents Park, is closed off while officers try to coax a man out of his house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It was a call to the 9-1-1 Center, about two people being threatened by a man with a handgun, that brought Portland Police Bureau (PBB) East Precinct District officers to an outer East Portland home in the Lents neighborhood at 3:30 p.m. on January 23.

“Officers arrived at 9126 SE Insley Street, and spoke with the victim and his girlfriend,” recounted PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson –“Both of whom were menaced by the suspect, identified as 52-year-old James Edwards Stebbins.”

It is now quiet on this short street in the Lents neighborhood, but last week, it was the scene of a standoff at a house in which officials say more than just dope was stashed.

The two allegedly held at gunpoint escaped the house, but Stebbins refused to come out.

“Officers surrounded the home and called into Stebbins, using a police car PA system, and asked that he come outside the home,” Simpson said. “At approximately 5:00 p.m., Stebbins exited the home and surrendered to police without incident.”
Officers assigned to the PPB Gun Task Force (GTF), with search warrant in hand, entered the residence.

“GTF officers located and seized three ounces of Methamphetamine, a small amount of Heroin, a stolen handgun, more than $4,000 cash, and stolen property,” Simpson said.

52-year-old James Edwards Stebbins remains in custody, on a variety of charges. MCDC booking photo

Stebbins was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) later that evening on charges of Delivery of Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (two counts), and Menacing (two counts), among other charges.

In lieu of a combined bail of $72,500, Stebbins remains in custody at Multnomah County Inverness Jail.

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