Crime suspect wounded in Gateway parking lot

Learn more about the incident that brought more than 30 law enforcement squad cars to the Mall 205 area of outer East Portland …

Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office personnel gather in the parking lot of the Gateway District Burger King restaurant, after a suspect there is shot trying to flee arrest.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When 36 year-old Vasile William Manta slammed into reverse and backed a white four-door Chevy Silverado HD pickup truck into a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) undercover SUV during an arrest attempt, he was shot and wounded by the deputy. It was just before 1:50 p.m. on May 14, in the Burger King parking lot, across from Mall 205.

That day deputies had come looking for Manta, wanted for outstanding arrest warrants on charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder and Identity Theft. But, this wasn’t his first brush with the law – or his first time ramming a cop car in an escape attempt.

Research indicates that this man, 36 year-old Vasile William Manta, has a criminal record – and a history of trying to flee the police. MCDC booking photo

On March 25, Manta was arrested and booked into Clackamas County Jail on charges, including Identity Theft and Failure to Report as a Sex Offender, but was soon released.

Then, on April 30, Gresham Police Department (GPD) officer spotted and approached Manta in the Gresham Safeway parking lot near SE 11th Street and SW Highland Drive. When the officer approached him, Manta reportedly smashed the allegedly stolen vehicle he was driving into the police cruiser, and drove off. He didn’t get far; Manta’s getaway vehicle become wedged on a median, he took off on foot and successfully eluded officers, according to GPD.

After Manta rams a MCSO Special Investigations Unit undercover rig, a deputy fires his gun, shattering the driver’s-side window of the suspect’s Chevy Silverado HD truck.

On May 14, MCSO Special Investigations Unit Deputies were searching for Manta about two blocks away, according to MCSO Public Information Officer Lt. Marc Shrake. “Deputies observed the subject parked in the Burger King parking lot; and in the process of contacting the subject, he placed his vehicle in reverse and rammed the deputy’s vehicle.”

The deputy fired his weapon, striking Manta, Shrake confirmed.

Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese walks to the incident scene.

As the investigation continues, detectives confer.

“He was taken into custody and provided immediate medical attention – then transported by ambulance to a local area hospital with critical injuries,” Shrake reported.

Lanes of SE Stark and Washington streets were shut down for hours as the investigation continued into the evening. The Portland Police Bureau’s Mobile Precinct was summoned to the scene to serve as a command post.

More law enforcement officials come to the scene of this incident.

“No deputies or community members were injured in the shooting,” Shrake said. “Members of the East County Major Crimes Team and the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division’s Homicide Detail continue to investigate.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Shrake concluded.

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