Police Investigate Armed Robbery on MLKJ
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 – North Precinct officers responded at 12:50 p.m. today to the report of an armed robbery at Walgreens,6116 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Employees told police that the suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect ran out of the store without obtaining any money and was last seen running eastbound on Northeast Holman Street.
Officers checked the neighborhood but did not locate anyone matching the suspect’s description.
The suspect is described as an African-American male in his 20s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, round face, wearing black clothes and a baseball cap.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
Police Seek Missing Woman
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 –Jacqueline McLain, 71, was reported missing Thursday by her adult children, who are out-of-state.
McLain has not been seen or heard from since Monday, May 20, which is described as being highly out of character for her, as she usually has daily contact with family members.
McLain lives in the 2400 block ofNorthwest Irving Street, where Portland Central Precinct officers responded today to check her welfare. They did not locate her, and found no evidence of foul play inside her apartment. It is unknown if she left home on foot, or may have last been driving, as officers were unable to locate her car in the neighborhood.
McLain is described as a white female, 71 years old, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 120 pounds, with curly, collar-length blonde hair and blue eyes. No clothing description is available. Family members advised she also may go by the first name Evelyn.
McLain's vehicle is a 1997 Lexus ES300 4-door sedan, beige, with a beige interior. It may have a GPS unit affixed to the front windshield. No license plate information is available at this time, other than it hadOregonplates.
Anyone with information about McLain's current whereabouts is asked to call 911. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Mike Weinstein, Missing Persons Unit, at (503) 823-0446 or Mike.Weinstein@portlandoregon.gov.
Police Find Endangered 17-Year-Old
--UPDATE; FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1:15 P.M. --
Gabe Kearns has been safely located and is no longer considered missing. The Police Bureau and the family would like to thank the public for their interest in this case.
--UPDATE: FRIDAY, MAY 24 10:30 A.M.--
Portland Police are still seeking the public's help in locating missing 17-year-old Gabe Kearns. A photo of a jacket Gabe is believed to be wearing is being released to assist people in locating Gabe.
Gabe is familiar with Northwest Portland and may be in that area.
Anyone seeing Gabriel is asked to call 9-1-1. Anyone with non-emergency information can call Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 – Missing Persons Unit detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing and endangered 17-year-old boy from Northeast Portland’s Irvington neighborhood.
Gabriel Artoum Kearns is described as 5-feet-6, 120 pounds, with short blonde hair, last seen wearing a bright purple and green Nike running jacket, blue jeans and blue Nike shoes. The photo being released was taken two weeks ago.
Gabriel left his home this morning at approximately 10:45 a.m. without saying anything to his family. Gabriel does not attend school and is familiar with TriMet.
Due to some medical history, Gabriel is considered endangered. Portland Police would like the public’s assistance in locating him safely.
Anyone seeing Gabriel is asked to call 911. Anyone with non-emergency information can call Detective Lori Fonken at (503) 823-1081.
Police Investigate Separate Armed Robberies
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a pair of armed robberies today.
Police responded at 8:54 a.m. today to the report of an armed robbery at the Division Market, 2404 S.E. 79th Ave.
The victim at the store said the suspect entered the market armed with a handgun and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect left the store.
Officers searched the neighborhood using a canine unit but did not locate anyone matching the suspect’s description.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5-feet-10, 180 pounds, blonde or brown hair, wearing a bandana covering his face, baseball cap, dark-colored jacket and blue jeans.
Robbery detectives have not determined if this suspect was involved in a series of the armed robberies on Wednesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, North Precinct officers responded at approximately 1:46 p.m. to the Layu Cateca Store, 4620 N.E. Cully Blvd., on the report of an armed robbery.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted the victim at the store. The victim told police that two men entered the store and demanded money. One of the men was armed with a handgun. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspects ran from the store and were last seen running southbound onCully Boulevard.
Officers, including a police canine unit, searched the neighborhood but did not locate the suspects.
The suspects are described as African American males in their 20s, wearing all gray clothing. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun.
Anyone with information about either robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a shooting in the 4500 block ofNortheast 60th Avenue.
Police from the North Precinct Police and Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded at 2:23 a.m. They located two victims of gunfire.
Anton Lashawn Hill, 33, was deceased at the scene. The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy this morning and has determined that Hill died of a gunshot wound to the head.
The other victim, a 21-year-old female, remains in a Portland hospital and is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Her name is not being released at this time.
No arrests have been made and detectives are continuing to investigate.
Northeast 60th Avenue, just North of Prescott Street, was closed to traffic for a portion of this morning.
Police Seek Public Help in Locating Murder Suspect
The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help in locating a wanted murder suspect.
Lonnell Demarcus George, 23, is the subject of a murder warrant in connection with the March 27 homicide of Edward Jewell Paden Jr., 18. The homicide occurred at Northeast 60th Avenue and Killingsworth Street in the Cully neighborhood.
George has a history of firearms offenses and gang activity. Detectives consider him to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone seeing George is asked not to approach him but to immediately call 911.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony. Participants can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com , text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call (503) 823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.
Visit http://www.tipsoft.com to download the Crime Stoppers App for the iPhone or Droid.
Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457 or Rico.Beniga@PortlandOregon.gov.
‘Stranger Danger’ Alert in Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 – Portland Police responded Tuesday to the report of suspicious activity in the Sellwood-Moreland area of Southeast 18th Avenue and Rex Street, on reports of stranger who approached a young child.
Police would like to hear from anyone with information about this person or any similar occurrences in Portland.
At approximately 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, officers received a call regarding a “creepy” man driving a silver four-door sedan. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle. A caller reported that his 11-year-old daughter was playing at the intersection of 18th and Rex when a stranger approached her at the corner.
Officers spoke to the girl, who said she was outside playing when a stranger parked his car facing westbound on the corner of 18th and Rex and got out of his vehicle. The girl said he walked towards her and asked her how old she was and what her name was. She ran away and told her father.
She described the man as a white male in his 30s, short brown hair, no facial hair or glasses, wearing jeans and a T-shirt. She described the car as a silver or gray four-door sedan and that the man was alone in the vehicle.
Anyone with information can send it to CrimeTips@PortlandOregon.gov, reference Portland Police Bureau Case No. 13-32378.
Child Abuse Case at Zoo – Woman Identified
Friday, April 12, 2013 – Portland Police Child Abuse Team investigators have identified the woman and child involved in the incident Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo after numerous tips from the public.
Police yesterday released information and a still photo, taken from a surveillance video, of a woman an
d a child, approximately age 3, at the zoo. Witnesses said the woman had hit and kicked the child.
The Canby Police Department, Oregon Department of Human Services and the Clackamas County Child Protective Service have worked in conjunction with the Portland Police Bureau and the case now rests with the Department of Human Services for follow-up.
The Portland Police Bureau would like to thank the public and media for interest in this case and cannot comment further as it is an ongoing, confidential investigation.
Multnomah County residents who want to report non-emergency information regarding child abuse are encouraged to call the Child Abuse Hotline at (503) 731-3100. Emergency situations should be called in to 911.
Burglars Hit Businesses on Barbur
FRIDAY, April 12, 2013 – Portland Police are investigating a commercial burglary on Barbur Boulevard.
At approximately 6:20 a.m. today, Portland Police officers were flagged down at 10075 S.W. Barbur Blvd.on the report of a burglary at the Springdale Cleaners. Officers contacted owner Peter Kim, who told police that he arrived for work to find a hole in an interior wall of his business. Officers checked the location, which is a complex of several businesses, and found that a total of four locations had been broken into.
Officers determined that someone broke into a vacant business through a door, then broke through an interior wall to a neighboring business that appeared to be moving out, then through another wall to Springdale Cleaners, and finally through an unlocked interior door to Supercuts.
Investigators determined that an unknown amount of money was taken from Supercuts.
There is no surveillance video of the burglary. Police have no suspect information and investigators are asking the public for assistance. Tips can be sent via email to CrimeTips@PortlandOregon.gov
Police seek to ID woman abusing child at zoo
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 – Portland Police responded to the Oregon Zoo at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday on the report of a woman kicking, slapping and pushing her child.
Officers arrived and spoke with the caller who told police that she was in the zoo, near the penguin exhibit, when she observed a woman in her mid-20s yelling profanities at a small child, then kick the child in the side, knocking her to the ground. The witness told police that the child, a girl about age 3, got up and walked towards a bench crying.
The witness told police that the woman followed the child and hit her on the side of the head, knocking her to the ground again.
The witness told police that she confronted the woman, who replied using obscenities then walked towards the zoo exit. The witness told police that as the woman walked away, she pushed the child into a cement wall.
Oregon Zoo security was notified but was unable to locate the woman and child. However, security personnel did retrieve surveillance video capturing images of the woman and little girl leaving the zoo, along with another child and an adult woman.
The woman is described as a white in her mid-20s, 5-feet-6-inches tall, 160 pounds, blonde hair, wearing a dark-colored puffy jacket and dark-colored pants. The victim is approximately 3, wearing a purple jacket and pink pants.
The Portland Police Bureau Child Abuse Team is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the woman and the child as part of a child abuse investigation.
Anyone with information on the identity of these people should call the Child Abuse Team at (503) 823-0090.
Portland man charged with harassing families of Colorado mass shooting
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 – Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau today arrested Kevin Michael Purfield, 45, of Northeast Portland in connection with multiple harassing phone calls and contacts to families of shooting victims from the July 2012 mass shooting in Aurora, Colo.
Detectives were contacted in late February by the Aurora Police Department and asked to assist in an investigation into unwanted phone calls and contact by Purfield. He reportedly emailed, called and used social media to contact various family members of victims of the theater shooting. None of the contacts were threatening, police said, but were unwanted and annoying, and Purfield allegedly used vile language.
Based on this information, detectives arrested Purfield without incident at Northeast 102nd Avenue and Halsey, near the Gateway Fred Meyer store.
Purfield was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on five counts of telephonic harassment and one count of stalking. Stalking is a Class A Misdemeanor and telephonic harassment is a Class B Misdemeanor.
Bail is set at $10,000.
Purfield will be arraigned in Multnomah County court on Thursday.
'Routine' Traffic Stop Isn't Routine At All
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013 --The Oregonian's Tom Hallman on a Wednesday-evening traffic stop by Portland Police, which ended badly for the suspect:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/04/routine_traffic_stop_in_downto.html#incart_river_default
Sketches released on assault suspect
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 2013 – Portland Police detectives would like help identifying a suspect in an assault that occurred at around 12:10 a.m.on Tuesday, March 26.
A woman was walking on the north sidewalk of North Larabee Street toward North Interstate when a man approached her and asked for money and food. According to the victim, the man allegedly pushed the woman down, threatened to sexually assault her and punched her in the face.
The man allegedly acted as if he had gun in his pocket, detectives said.
The woman defended herself and the man ran off.
The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic or Pacific Islander, in this 30s, about 5-feet-5 and approximately 170 to 180 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing a white sweatshirt and black pants. The suspect is balding or has a shaved head in the back with a quarter-inch strap of hair behind his ears pulled into a 4- to 5-inch braid with curled hair on the bottom.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Jason Christensen at (503) 823-0894.
The victim in this case is not available for interviews.
Police Provide Report on Officer-Involved Shooting
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 -- The Portland Police Bureau is releasing all the investigative reports associated with the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 17, 2013, involving Merle Mikal Hatch, following the conclusion of the recent grand jury on this case.
The files can be found at:
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/61944
As with all officer-involved shootings, the review will continue through the Bureau's Use of Force Review Board, which reviews policies and training in regard to this shooting.
Terrorism Task Force Report Goes to Council
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 – The Joint Terrorism Task Force Report has been compiled and will go before the Portland City Council at 9:30 a.m. March 27.
The document is designed to report on this year’s cooperation between the Portland Police Bureau and the FBI on the task force.
For further information: Chad Stover, policy assistant to Mayor Hales, (503) 823-4027.
MEMORANDUM
February 19, 2013
TO: Mayor Charlie Hales
Commissioner Dan Saltzman
Commissioner Nick Fish
Commissioner Amanda Fritz
Commissioner Steve Novick
SUBJ: Annual JTTF Report per Resolution 36859
The City passed a Resolution in April, 2011 regarding the Portland Police Bureau cooperation with the FBI for the purpose of combating terrorism. As part of that Resolution, the City asked the Police Chief to each year provide a report "with appropriate public information to the City Council and public on the bureau's work with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), including any issues related to compliance withOregonlaws."
So that Council members have knowledge of the relevant provisions of the Resolution, I have listed the specifics of the Resolution below and provided responses on how we have addressed its provisions.
- 1. BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the policy of the City simultaneously to help prevent and investigate acts of terrorism, protect civil rights and civil liberties under United States and Oregon law, and promote Portland as an open and inclusive community;
The Portland Police Bureau is committed to a model of community policing in which a positive connection between the police and the community contributes to the well being of our City. Our mission statement includes a goal of working with all citizens to maintain human rights. In keeping with our mission and the City's Resolution, we have implemented policies, procedures, and oversight mechanisms that enable us to effectively investigate terrorist threats, protect civil rights and civil liberties, and promote an open and inclusive community.
- 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Police Chief shall regularly consult with the FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) to determine which aspects of JTTF work could benefit from PPB participation and whether there are PPB resources available to be allocated;
Since the passage of the City's Resolution, I have conferred on several occasions with the FBI SAC about terrorism investigations and threats from terrorism. In order to have an accurate sense of resources that might be available to work with the JTTF, I confer as needed with the lieutenant of the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) or the Assistant Chief of Investigations to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained between the local staffing needs of his unit and our work with JTTF.
Regarding the substance of each request, I personally reviewed case-by-case, every request by the FBI SAC for the use ofPortlandresources. For each request I asked questions to ensure that the bureau’s involvement in those inquiries would follow the Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw. And, for each inquiry from the FBI, I received notice of each request, and reviewed it to determine if the request complies with the City's policies and Oregon law, the scope of the request and its impact on other bureau priorities/officer workload, the stage of investigation, topic/subject matter of each request, and if the topic had a "criminal nexus" to terrorism as defined in USC 18 USC Sec. 2331 (01/07/2011) (listed below).
For each request, I shared relevant information with the Commissioner-in-Charge. After I conferred with the Commissioner-in-Charge, I then made my own independent analysis required under Resolution 36859 to determine that all aspects of our work with JTTF conformed to Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw.
- 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED. the Police Chief may assign PPB officers to work with the JTTF on an as-needed basis as determined by the Police Chief in consultation with the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB;
In consultation with the Commissioner-in-Charge, I decided that CIU was the best unit to be prepared to provide resources if requested. I asked the Lieutenant of CIU to identify two officers who could be assigned to JTTF if needed. I limited the number of officers eligible to work with the JTTF in order to ensure effective oversight and consistency with the City's Resolution.
I know that some of the public has a keen interest in knowing the details of our work with the JTTF. We have committed a very limited amount of bureau resources to JTTF work, so disclosure of the number of cases or hours worked may compromise ongoing investigations and reveal the operational tempo of our work on terrorism. But I can affirm that we have worked with the JTTF at their request on at least one case of domestic terrorism investigation.
- 4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED. In addition to regular briefings. and the Police Chief's participation in JTTF Executive Committee meetings, bureau officers shall work with the JTTF only on investigations of suspected terrorism that have a criminal nexus; in situations where the statutory or common law of Oregon is more restrictive of law enforcement than comparable federal law. the investigative methods employed by bureau officers working on JTTF investigations shall conform to the requirements of such Oregon statutes or common law;
The bureau confirms that officers have only worked on investigations of suspected terrorism that had a criminal nexus and that their investigative methods have complied withOregonlaw.
The City Attorney explained during last year’s report that the "criminal nexus" requirement was intended to identify the subject matter on which officers are allowed to work with the JTTF. Specifically, when officers work on JTTF terrorism investigations, the federal government defines terrorism as follows under: 18 USC Sec. 2331 (01/07/20 II), which states:
(1) The term "international terrorism" means activities that:
(A) Involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of theUnited Statesor of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of theUnited Statesor of any State;
(B) Appear to be intended:
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of theUnited States, or transcend national boundaries in terms of the means by which they are accomplished, the persons they appear intended to intimidate or coerce, or the locale in which their perpetrators operate or seek asylum;
(2) the term "national of theUnited States" has the meaning given such term in section 10 1 (a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act;
(3) the term "person" means any individual or entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property;
(4) the term "act of war" means any act occurring in the course of-
(A) declared war;
(B) armed conflict, whether or not war has been declared, between two or more nations; or
(C) armed conflict between military forces of any origin; and
(5) the term "domestic terrorism" means activities that:
(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of theUnited Statesor of any State;
(B) appear to be intended:
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of theUnited States.
I have directed the Assistant Chief of Investigations and the CIU Lieutenant to attend JTTF Executive Committee meetings along with me or in my place when I am absent so that I have several perspectives on our work with the JTTF. Using this strategy, I can be confident that when officers work on JTTF investigations, they are only allowed to work on investigations related to terrorism as defined in federal criminal law and that their investigative methods meet the requirements of Oregon law.
- 5. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the PPB officers who work with the JTTF shall notify the FBI SAC and Police Chief if ever the work PPB officers are asked to do would be a potential violation or violation of ORS 181.575 or ORS 181.850 and the Police Chief shall immediately report any actual violation to the Commissioner-in-Charge of the PPB;
I have implemented strong, multi-level, and redundant oversight of officers who work with the JTTF. The two officers who were chosen to work with the JTTF have received training and guidance about the limitations inOregonlaw concerning information gathering (ORS 181.575) and immigration investigations (ORS 181.850) from the City Attorney, the CIU lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, and me.
In order to provide oversight, the CIU Lieutenant is involved in the day to day management of these officers' activities. The Assistant Chief of Investigations meets regularly with the CIU lieutenant to receive up to date reports. And I meet regularly with the Assistant Chief and the CIU lieutenant to review any work we do with the JTTF to ensure it is compliant withOregonlaw, the City's Resolution, and PPB's policies and procedures.
Officers who work with the JTTF are aware that they should report directly to the FBI SAC and I if ever the work bureau officers are asked to do would be a potential violation or violation ofOregonlaw.
I have requested the City Attorney to independently question the officers who have worked with the JTTF to verify whether there have been any violations of Resolution 36859 orOregonlaw. I received an independent evaluation report from the Office of the City Attorney thatPortlandis in compliance with Resolution 36859 andOregonlaw.
As a result of this oversight, the officers have not engaged in any violations ofOregonlaw nor has any officer reported any potential or actual violations ofOregonlaw to me, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, or the CIU Lieutenant.
- 6. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that PPB officers working with the JTTF shall seek legal advice from the City Attorney whenever the officer has any question about the application of Oregon law, including ORS 181.575 and ORS 181.850, or this Resolution to their work with the JTTF. Any consultation with the City Attorney will be undertaken consistent with the requirements for the handling of classified information and with the other legal restrictions on the dissemination of information. 1n the event disclosure of classified information is necessary for the City Attorney to provide appropriate advice, the Police Chief shall request the FB1 SAC to authorize the City Attorney to receive such information pursuant to a non-disclosure agreement. If the City Attorney cannot obtain the necessary authorization to provide legal advice, the City Attorney shall notify the Police Chief and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB;
A Senior Deputy City Attorney who has provided legal advice to the Police Bureau for over fifteen years has reported to me that the police bureau is in full compliance withOregonlaw and the City's Resolution regarding JTTF. He has met individually with all CIU members identified as eligible to work with the JTTF as well as the lieutenant of CIU to ensure that they are familiar with the application ofOregonlaw, includingOregon's limitations concerning the collection and retention of information about a person's political, religious, and social affiliations. The officers have been able to freely share information and seek advice from the City Attorney. The City Attorney has met with them separately and alone so that they could voice any and all concerns.
The FBI has not asked the City Attorney to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and the attorney reports that he has received unfettered access to ample information from the officers and their lieutenant in order to assess compliance withOregonlaw and this Resolution.
- 7. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Police Chief may assign PPB officers to work on JTTF investigations that comply with the requirements stated above regardless of whether or not the investigation is based in the City of Portland. On those occasions, all the terms of the resolution apply, including that the PPB officer's investigative methods must still conform to Oregon law;
This year, I assigned officers to work on a JTTF investigation outside the City ofPortland, after consultation with the Commissioner-in-charge.
- 8. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to ensure access to information necessary to manage and supervise PPB officers, the Police Chief will seek clearance at the Top Secret/Secure Compartmentalized Information level, and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB will seek clearance at the Secret level;
The FBI defines a Secret clearance as "generally the most appropriate security clearance for state and local law enforcement officials that do not routinely work in an FBI Task Force or in a FBI facility." The FBI explains a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance as "this type clearance may be granted to those persons who need unescorted access to FBI facilities and will most often be appropriate for law enforcement officers assigned to FBI Task Forces housed in FBI facilities."
I have been granted a "Secret" level clearance. My officers are not seeking TS/SCI clearance and I will not need clearance above the "Secret" level to manage their work with the JTTF.
When the Resolution was passed, we anticipated that the FBI would require any of our officers who worked with the JTTF to have TS/SCI clearance. After the adoption of the Resolution, the FBI informed us that PPB officers who work with the JTTF would not be required to possess Top Secret clearance because they would have no need to access FBI facilities unescorted or obtain access to informant source information. The SAC and I decided that Secret level clearance for the two officers whom I identified as eligible to work with the JTTF would be sufficient, based on Portland's current participation in the JTTF.
The Assistant Chief of Investigations, the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Unit, and two assigned officers all currently have "Secret" level security clearances.
- 9. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City understands that the FBI SAC or designee needs the ability to direct the operational and day-to-day work of PPB officers who work with the JTTF. However, at all times, PPB officers who work with the JTTF remain in the chain of command and under the formal supervision of PPB;
The bureau officers who work with the JTTF have remained in the bureau chain of command and their work is overseen by bureau supervisors, including a lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations, and myself. The lieutenant holds regular meetings with the assigned officers to inquire about the subject matter of investigations, monitor the investigative methods being employed, and verify that the work performed meets federal, state, and city requirements. And the Assistant Chief and I hold regular meetings with the lieutenant.
10.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council directs the Police Chief and Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB to request regular briefings from the FBI SAC, at least twice a year, on the work of the JTTF so that the Police Chief and the Commissioner-in-Charge of PPB will be familiar with terrorist threats in the Portland area and will, therefore, be better able to manage local public safety issues;
Since the passage of the City's Resolution, I have conferred on several occasions with the SAC about threats from terrorism and terrorism investigations. I receive regular briefings a few times a year on the work of the JTTF.
The Commissioner-in-Charge met with the FBI/SAC on February 14, 2013.
11.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Chief will assign a PPB supervisor to the JTTF at any time that a PPB officer is assigned to JTTF work;
I assigned a CIU lieutenant to oversee the two officers identified as eligible to work with the JTTF. The lieutenant has regular meeting with the JTTF supervisor and attends JTTF Executive Committee meetings. Any time these officers have been assigned to JTTF work, the lieutenant, the Assistant Chief of Investigations and I have actively supervised their work.
12.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, PPB officers assigned to the JTTF shall attend annual training, to be conducted by the Office of the City Attorney, to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal law;
The bureau is in compliance with this provision. The Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of the Investigations, Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Unit, and two assigned officers have all received required trainings.
In May of 2011, in January 2012, and January 2013, the City Attorney's office had an in-service training for all CIU members identified as eligible to work with the JTTF as needed. The City Attorney trained officers about the provisions of the Resolution, ORS 181.575, ORS 181.850 andOregonlaws that are more restrictive of law enforcement investigative methods than comparable federal law. The training includes instruction on the FBI Guidelines and how Resolution 36859 orOregonlaw are different from the FBI Guidelines.
13.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Portland Police Bureau shall adopt publicly available administrative policies and procedures consistent with this Resolution.
The bureau has implemented this provision. The Police Bureau refers to its administrative policies and procedures as "directives". Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are unit-specific directives. On July 22, 2011, the bureau adopted Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) CIV #23.
MICHAEL REESE
Chief of Police
MWR/EH/mp
Police handle three major cases in one week
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 – Portland Police conducted an array of unusual investigations this week.
• A homicide on Southwest Dolph Courtled to the Tuesday arrest of three men. Detectives – assisted by the U.S. Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force and the Portland Police Bureau Special Emergency Reaction Team – arrested Mahmoud Moustafa, 20, Hussein Ali Haidar, 21, and Omar Ibrahim, 18, on a variety of charges.
As part of the investigation, search warrants were served at two locations Tuesday: 4735 S.W. Luradel St. No. 20; and10620 S.W. 49th Ave.
This investigation started on Saturday March 9, when Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Southwest Dolph Court on the report of a disturbance and assault. Officers found Charles Anthony Weber, 25, deceased. The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that Weber died of head injuries.
During the investigation, detectives obtained information leading to the arrest of the three suspects on Tuesday evening.
Moustafa and Haidar were charged with aggravated murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon. Ibrahim was charged with murder and first-degree robbery.
All three suspects were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on Wednesday and will be arraigned today.
• At approximately 9:15 p.m., Wednesday,East Precinct officers responded to the report of an armed carjacking in the parking lot of the Gateway Fred Meyer store,1111 N.E. 102nd Ave.
Two victims told police that they just parked their car in the west parking lot of Fred Meyer, facing Northeast 99th Avenue. The male victim, who was the driver, got out of the car and saw two men armed with handguns approach. One suspect approached the driver and demanded his possessions. The victim gave the suspect his keys, phone and an undisclosed amount of money.
The second suspect approached the female passenger and pulled her out of the car. Both suspects got into the car and left the area, last seen driving southbound on Northeast 99th Avenue.
Neither victim was injured during the robbery.
One suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s, 5-feet-8, 235 pounds, short black hair, some facial hair, wearing dark clothes. The other suspect is described as a light-skinned African-American male in his late 20s, 5-feet-8, 140 to 150 pounds, wearing dark clothes.
The vehicle is a 2012 Honda Civic 2-Door, black in color, with Oregon license plate CU27516. Anyone seeing the vehicle is advised not to approach it and to call 911.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Robbery Detail at (503) 823-0405.
• Detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Sex Crimes Unit on Wednesday arrested Marlin Brandt Pohlman, 43, for multiple sex crimes. Pohlman was arrested at Portland International Airport after returning fromThailand.
Detectives believe that Pohlman was drugging women he knew and sexually assaulting them. Detectives have identified and interviewed four women allegedly victimized by Pohlman.
Detectives served a search warrant at Pohlman's home, on the 7100 block of North Chase Avenue. During the search, detectives located a possible drug lab. Investigators from the Drugs and Vice Division have processed the possible drug lab and seized evidence.
Pohlman was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on two charges of first-degree kidnapping; two counts of first-degree rape; three counts of first-degree sex abuse; four charges of causing someone to ingest a controlled substance; four counts of third-degree assault; two counts of first-degree attempted rape; third-degree sodomy; four counts of reckless endangerment; and four counts of harassment.
Bail is set at more than $2 million. Pohlman will be arraigned today and additional charges are possible.
Detectives are concerned that there may be additional victims and would like to hear from anyone with information about Pohlman. People with information should contact Detective Tracy Chamberlin at (503) 823-0400 or Tracy.Chamberlin@PortlandOregon.gov.
Investigation continues on Dolph Court homicide
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2013 – Homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the death of a Southwest Portland man, discovered on Saturday morning. The victim has been identified as Charles Anthony Weber, 25, who resided at 2205 S.W. Dolph Court.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy Sunday and found that Weber died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Detectives want to hear from anyone with information about this incident. People with information can contact Detective Kristina Coffey at (503) 823-0696 or Kristina.Coffey@PortlandOregon.gov.
In the initial report,Portland police said officers assigned to Central Precinct responded at 1:06 a.m., Saturday March 9, to a residence in the 2200 block of Southwest Dolph Courton the report of a disturbance and assault. Officers arrived and attempted to contact people inside the residence in question. When officers went inside, they found Weber deceased.
Police Continue Investigation of Monday Night Shooting
--UPDATE, 8:48 a.m. Wednesday--
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2013 – The Portland Police officers involved in a fatal shooting Monday night have been identified as Officer Brad Kula, a 10-year-veteran, and Officer Michele Boer, a four-year-veteran.
Santiago A. Cisneros III, 32, fired a shotgun at the officers, who returned fire. Cisneros was hit and was transported to a Portland hospital where he died.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Cisneros Tuesday. Details of the autopsy have not been released.
Anyone with information about this shooting or about Santiago Cisneros is asked to contact Detectives Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457 or Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991.
Members of the mayor’s staff were on scene Monday night during the post-shooting investigation. Mayor Charlie Hales and members of his staff were briefed Tuesday morning by police officials.
Mayor Hales did not release a statement Tuesday regarding the shooting or ongoing investigation, other than to express relief that the officers involved were not injured.
A preliminary investigation suggests that, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Officers Kula and Boer, in separate cars, drove up onto the top level of a parking garage located at Seventh and Lloyd. The officers were immediately confronted by Cisneros, who was armed with a shotgun. Within seconds, shots were fired.
Cisneros fired multiple shots from his shotgun. Both officers returned fire, striking him and knocking him to the ground.
Neither officer was hit by gunfire during the shooting.
More officers and a sergeant arrived and developed a plan to safely approach the suspect and get him medical attention. Officers grabbed a shield to approach Cisneros, who was lying on the ground, still moving, next to his shotgun. Officers approached him and placed him into custody. Medical personnel immediately responded and transported him to a Portland hospital, where he died.
Officers Kula and Boer are assigned to North Precinct afternoon shift. Their interviews are scheduled for Thursday. Per policy, both officers will remain on paid administrative leave until the completion of the grand jury, which has not yet been scheduled by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Representatives from the chief’s office, mayor’s office, Training Division, Internal Affairs Division, Office of Independent Police Review, Traumatic Incident Committee and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office all responded to the scene, as is standard protocol in any officer-involved shooting investigation and have been briefed on the investigation.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
U.S. Marshal's Service, Police make arrest near airport
--UPDATED—
THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2013 – The Portland Police Special Emergency Reaction Team, or SERT, responded in the early hours Thursday to the Travelodge Portland Airport hotel,3848 N.W. 82nd Ave., on the report of a possibly armed man refusing to leave a motel room.
Portland Police officers assigned to East Precinct assisted the U.S.Marshals Fugitive Task Force with locating a wanted subject, 34-year-old James David Tautfest at the Travelodge Motel.
Tautfest was wanted out of Washington State for identity theft, forgery, theft and possession of a control substance. The Fugitive Task Force had information Tautfest was staying at the Travelodge with his 15-year-old runaway sister.
U.S.Marshals entered the Travelodge while Portland Police officers established a perimeter around the hotel. Tautfest barricaded himself inside the apartment with his sister and claimed to be armed.
SERT officers were activated along with the Portland Police Bureau's Crisis Negotiation Team, and the hotel was evacuated.
Shortly after SERT and negotiators arrived at the scene, Tautfest released his sister but refused to come out.
During the standoff, Tautfest, who police say was high on methamphetamine, kicked a hole in the hotel wall, entered an adjacent attic, crashed through the floor and entered the weight room below. He then climbed back through the floor and crawled back into the room.
Negotiators made a phone call into the room and spoke to Tautfest for approximately two hours. Negotiations with Tautfest stalled so SERT deployed tear gas into the hotel room.
Tautfest eventually gave up and was taken into custody without incident. The hotel room was thoroughly searched but no firearm was found.
Tautfest was transported to the Multnomah County Jail and lodged on his warrants.
