This young ruffian apparently thought that sticking up somebody in this outer East Portland park would be child’s play; it didn’t work out that way …
It’s quiet now here now, in Harrison Park, located in the Montavilla neighborhood; but this was the location of an attempted armed robbery in broad daylight.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The intended victim of the adolescent armed robber was enjoying fine summer weather in Harrison Park, a block east of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, and a long block north of SE Division street just before noon on July 13 — and at first was unaware that a youthful mugger was sneaking up.
“East Precinct officers responded to a report of a robbery at gunpoint in the park at 11:34 a.m.,” said a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) spokesperson.
Officers lock down several blocks, looking for the teen gunman.
“Detectives from the PPB Robbery Detail took over the investigation, and determined the victim was sitting in the park when he was approached by the suspect,” the police official said. “The suspect displayed the handgun and tried to take the victim’s phone – but, after a struggle, the suspect ran off.”
Numerous officers responded and searched the area for the suspect, last seen running south on SE 84th Avenue; an officer spotted the youthful gunman a block south of SE Division Street near Clinton Street, in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.
Police they believe that this loaded gun was the one brandished by the would-be robber. PPB provided photo
“Officers developed probable cause to arrest the suspect, and they located a loaded semiautomatic handgun believed to have been used in the robbery,” the official reported.
The person arrested was a 15-year-old male. He was booked into Multnomah County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing.
© 2019 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™