Supposed sexual encounter turns into SERT standoff

This guy traveled to the edge of Gresham hoping for some “afternoon delight”. He got some real “action” – but not the kind he was looking for …

After arranging for a sex session on the internet, a 39-year-old man got a lot more “action” than he bargained for – and got robbed by thugs in these apartments.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
He was envisioning a sexy encounter, as this fellow drove to the apartment building at 17223 Southeast Powell Blvd. just past noon on April 29.

The 39-year-old guy was probably hoping for some real excitement; after all, he’d arranged a sex-for-money rendezvous via the Internet.

Police aren’t saying who this Romeo is – but he turned from lover-boy into victim within moments after entering the apartment. Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Officer Cathe Kent filled us in on what happened next.

“The victim arrived at Alicia Roach residence on SE Powell Blvd when two men, armed with a handgun and a baseball bat, confronted him,” reported Kent. “After threatening the victim, the suspects took victim’s money. During the encounter, one shot was discharged inside the apartment.”

Although shaken by be robbed at gun (and bat) point, the victim wasn’t injured; he fled and called police.

When gunshots are fired – and suspects are holed up – SERT members don’t take any chances. They bring out all of their protective gear.

Officers make sure no one gets in or out of these apartments while the investigation continues. The building – you can see just the edge of it – is directly behind the front apartment building.

SERT shuts down streets
Because a gun was fired, the bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) arrived and the area around the apartment buildings was taped off – shutting down a 2-block area including the intersection of SE Powell Blvd. and SE 174th Ave.

It took hours to evacuate the area residents and contact witnesses. Eventually, investigators learned that the suspects were hiding in a neighboring apartment.

As the sun set on the edge of outer East Portland, SERT officers isolated the apartment and ordered the suspects out of the apartment. All three surrendered without incident.

25-year-old Antawan Simpkins was charged with two counts of Robbery in the First Degree and one count of Ex-con in Possession of a Firearm.
16-year-old Anthony Dondre Roach was charged with two counts of Robbery in the First Degree and one count of Menacing.
23-year-old Alicia Marie Roach was charged with one count of Robbery in the First Degree.

Fortunately, no additional shots were fired, and the situation ended without incident.

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