‘Shotgun robber’ holds up two bars in one night

See why officials say they think the same guy pulled two armed robberies – in just about an hour …

Police are kept busy trying to track down the suspect they say robbed two outer East Portland establishments right around closing time.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
During the early morning hours of Saturday, October 5, a shotgun-wielding robber decided it was his turn to “get lucky” at two outer East Portland establishments that offer gaming in addition to food and drink.

Charlie’s Teriyaki is held up by a gun-toting man who robs the place, and then takes off on foot.

At 12:13 a.m., Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct District Officers answered an armed robbery call, and converged on Charlie’s Teriyaki at 14800 SE Powell Boulevard, in the Centennial neighborhood.

“Employees told the officers that the suspect entered the restaurant armed with a shotgun, and demanded money,” recounted PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson. “After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the restaurant, and was last seen walking away on SE 148th Avenue.”

Officials say they believe the same suspect later robbed the Escape Bar & Grill.

An hour and three minutes later, at 1:16 a.m., PPB North Precinct District Officers responded to a similar call. This time it was at the Escape Bar & Grill, a sports bar located at 9004 NE Sandy Boulevard.

“At this establishment, the bar employees told officers that the suspect entered the bar armed with a shotgun, and demanded money,” Simpson said. “After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the bar and it is not known what direction he went, once outside.”
In both cases, Simpson added, several officers searched the neighborhoods but did not locate anyone matching the suspect’s description.

“The suspect is described as an African American male in his mid-30s, 6′ tall, medium build, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, possibly some kind of long coat, blue jeans, some facial hair, and some kind of covering on his face,” described Simpson. In both cases he was reported wielding a shotgun.

“Based on preliminary investigation, it is believed that these robberies are related.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Robbery Detectives at (503) 823-0405.

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