MCSO Seeks The Community's Help Locating A Missing Woman (Photo) (Photo) - 05/17/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is asking for the community’s help finding a missing 61-year-old woman, last seen in Wood Village.

Janet Lee Gray left her care facility near Northeast 238th Drive and Northeast Halsey Street in Wood Village on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She has not returned.

Gray is described as 5-feet 6-inches tall and about 135 pounds with grey hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a long white dress.

Gray is reportedly familiar with TriMet and will visit family members in Washington County.

Due to Gray’s health conditions, she is considered endangered and unable to care for herself.

If anyone see’s Gray, please call 911 . If you have information about her whereabouts, please call the MCSO tip line 503-988-7300. Reference case number 26-21119.

—

—

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Provides Update On Wood Village Shooting Investigation - 05/16/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding the shooting that occurred on Friday afternoon near Northeast 235th Avenue and Northeast Arata Road in Wood Village.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives have learned that the teenage girl who was shot is 14 years old. She remains in the hospital with injuries that are considered non-life threatening. To protect her privacy, no additional information about her identity will be released.

The investigation into this shooting is progressing and is being led by detectives assigned to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. These detectives are coordinating with the district attorney’s office, speaking with witnesses, collecting and reviewing videos, and processing additional evidence.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting, as well as the shooting itself, remain under investigation; however, detectives believe the incident may have started with an argument.

Following the shooting, the suspect left the scene. Detectives do not believe there is any threat to the public at this time.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information about the moments leading up, during, after the shooting. Anyone who possesses cell phone video, or anyone with information regarding this case who has not already spoken with deputies, is asked to contact the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the public interest surrounding this incident. The sheriff’s office must exercise care when making public statements related to an open investigation. Releasing uncorroborated information not yet established by independent witnesses or verified by detectives could compromise the integrity of the investigation and the administration of justice.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

When there are additional confirmed updates, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office will provide another update.

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Wood Village Shooting - 05/15/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating a shooting that occurred late Friday afternoon near Northeast 235th Avenue and Northeast Arata Road in Wood Village.

This investigation began at 4:14 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, when a school bus driver called 911 to report a shooting near a bus stop.

First responding deputies quickly arrived at the scene and found an injured female minor with a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately provided life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and took her to a local hospital. She was reported to be alert and responsive during on-scene care.

While the victim is confirmed to be a minor, her exact age has not yet been verified. The connection between the victim, the school bus, and others present during the shooting remains under investigation.

According to witnesses, the suspect ran from the area immediately after the incident, and a search is underway. There is no shelter-in-place order.

Detectives are responding to determine the circumstances of what occurred and locate the individual responsible. There may be traffic delays near the intersection of Northeast 235th Avenue and Northeast Arata Road.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community's patience and cooperation as this investigation unfolds.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 911 or the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

A Public Information Officer (PIO) is not responding to the scene at this time.

Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Memorial To Honor Legacy Of Fallen Deputies - 05/14/26

View this release online.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (May 13, 2026) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual memorial services to honor the 10 deputies and one civilian staff member who have died in the line of duty.

The observances, held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, began with a wreath-laying at the Loll Memorial, the site where Deputy Ernest Loll was killed in 1935 while responding to a call for service in Southwest Portland. In the afternoon, Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell joined families of the fallen, county officials, and agency members for a formal memorial ceremony at the Troutdale Sheriff’s Office Operations Center.

During her speech, Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell emphasized that the character of the fallen remains the foundation of the sheriff’s office culture.

“Law enforcement professionals are called to a life of courage and compassion, with an unwavering commitment to doing what is right and just,” said Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell. “Sometimes that commitment comes at the highest cost imaginable, resulting in unimaginable grief for family, friends, and coworkers.”

“The history of our fallen deputies spans decades, and it is woven through every one of their stories, as are the values that define this agency. Their dedication to our community remains foundational to our mission and is an inherent part of who we are.”

Wednesday’s ceremony highlighted the memorials within the sheriff’s office that ensure these stories remain a living part of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The images of the fallen are displayed on memorial walls within the MCSO training building and at the patrol operations center, where the monument bearing their names stands.

The history of these losses spans more than a century, but they reflect the persistent dangers of the profession. Of the 10 deputies lost, seven died as a result of gunfire, two were killed by impaired drivers, and one died in an explosion alongside a civilian employee.

“For the members of this agency, remembrance must also come with purpose,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell concluded. “We honor those who came before us by serving with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the trust placed in us. While they may be gone, they will never be forgotten.”

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest gratitude to the MCSO Honor Guard for their presence and dedication. The MCSO Honor Guard represents the highest standards of integrity and discipline, performing the sacred duty of providing final honors, conducting meticulous flag-folds, and standing silent watch. Through their precision, professional bearing, and attention to detail, these members ensure that the history and traditions of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office are preserved with the reverence and dignity they deserve.

MCSO also recognizes the Honor Guards from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Portland Police Bureau for their service to Wednesday’s memorial.

In Memoriam:

• Deputy Sheriff Irving Burkett, End of Watch: August 21, 2003
• Deputy Sheriff Robert Anderson, End of Watch: December 1, 1994
• Reserve Deputy Sheriff Mark Whitehead, End of Watch: February 26, 1993
• Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins, End of Watch: February 26, 1993
• Sergeant Albert Bowe, End of Watch: November 15, 1945
• Deputy Sheriff Ernest Loll, End of Watch: September 29, 1935
• Special Deputy Sheriff Walter Leonhardt, End of Watch: September 28, 1931
• Corrections Powderman Charles Hall, End of Watch: May 24, 1924
• Superintendent Ed Diedrich, End of Watch: May 24, 1924
• Deputy Sheriff Frank Twombley, End of Watch: November 19, 1918
• Deputy Sheriff Robert Phillips, End of Watch: November 21, 1917

Image: A line of Multnomah County Sheriff's Office deputies assigned to the MCSO Honor Guard stand in a disciplined row on a paved road. They are dressed in formal green uniforms with gold braiding, hats, and agency patches. The deputies are shown in profile, looking forward with solemn expressions, while the road behind them stretches into a soft, out-of-focus background.

Image: MCSO Honor Guard members in green dress uniforms stand at attention behind a memorial plaque. In the foreground, personnel from partner agencies in navy uniforms hold an unfurled American flag during the solemn ceremony.

Image: A close-up profile of an MCSO Honor Guard member in a forest green dress uniform and hat, holding a rifle at an angle during a 21-gun salute. He wears white gloves and gold braiding, with other uniformed personnel lined up behind him in a soft-focus background.

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Injury Crash After SUV Hits Pleasant Valley Home - 05/11/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MAY 11, 2026) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash involving a 47-year-old driver losing control of her SUV and crashing into a baby’s nursery in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood.

This investigation began around 12:15 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026, when the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received information about a crash in the 5800-block of Southeast Jenne Road.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Gresham Fire Department arrived to find that a black SUV had traveled down an embankment and crashed into a house, causing significant damage.

Based on the preliminary investigation, a 47-year-old woman driving southbound tried to pass a truck towing a trailer in a no-passing zone. As she moved into the northbound lane, she saw an oncoming vehicle and tried to merge back. During the maneuver, she sideswiped the truck and trailer, lost control, and went down the embankment.

The SUV crashed into a home, specifically impacting a baby’s nursery. Fortunately, the mother had removed the child from the room just minutes before the collision.

The American Red Cross will help the family with temporary housing.

Deputies anticipate issuing the driver a criminal citation for reckless driving and three counts of recklessly endangering another person.

No serious injuries were reported. Paramedics took the driver to a local hospital for evaluation. Deputies did not observe any signs of impairment at the scene.

Due to the nature of the crash, deputies closed Southeast Jenne Road in both directions between Southeast Circle Avenue and Southeast Baldry Street. There is no estimated time for reopening.

Three photos from the scene are being released.

When reporting on this incident, please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple "MCSO" agencies within the state of Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full agency name ensures public clarity and geographical accuracy.

The photos provided are authorized for use with proper credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

A Public Information Officer (PIO) from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Image: A black SUV crashed through the side of a house, causing extensive structural damage to the wall and roof. Debris, including broken wood and insulation, is scattered around the vehicle. Multicolored holiday lights are still strung along the damaged roofline.

Image: Five firefighters in tan and red protective gear stand near a black SUV that has crashed through a wooden fence and into the side of a white house. The vehicle is wedged under a collapsed section of the roof, and debris is scattered across the ground in a wooded residential area.

Image: An elevated, behind-the-fence view showing a black SUV lodged into the side of a white house. The impact has caused a partial roof collapse, with roofing material and structural beams visible where the wall used to be. Debris and a broken wooden fence surround the crash site under a clear blue sky.

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Issues Safety Advisory For Sandy River - 05/07/26

View this release online. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (May 7, 2026) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit is issuing a safety advisory for community members utilizing the Sandy River between Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area.

Following a powerful storm cycle in December 2025, the river’s path has naturally shifted, creating new and potentially significant hazards for recreational users.

Rivers are dynamic, meaning their paths are subject to change during high-flow events. South of Camp Angelos, the Sandy River previously flowed north with the primary channel located east of a prominent wooded island. Following the December 2025 storms, the primary current now flows to the west side of that same island.

This is a critical point of education for the public: current satellite imagery and GPS mapping have not yet been updated to reflect this new topography.

Image: Aerial drone view looking southeast (upstream) at the Sandy River, showing a large sand bar in the foreground. The river channel has shifted to the right (west), hugging a steep forested bank as it flows toward new hazards located near a wooded island in the distance.

The change in the river’s course has introduced "strainers" – fallen and submerged trees – directly into the new primary channel. The current now pulls watercrafts and swimmers toward these obstructions.

Due to the combination of water depth, submerged rocks, and these new tree hazards, this section now contains small rapids -- making navigation difficult or unexpected.

Users may find themselves unable to bypass debris, potentially forcing them to abandon their crafts. Recent patrols have documented several abandoned inner tubes caught in the newly formed debris fields.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit has posted warning signs at both Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit encourages everyone to be prepared for unexpected river conditions. Before launching at Oxbow Regional Park, ensure you are equipped with the following:

• Life jackets - A properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be worn at all times while on the water.

• Communication Tools – Keep a loud, waterproof sound-signaling device (such as a whistle) attached to your person or life jacket.

• Lights – If you anticipate being on the water near dawn, dusk or night, carry waterproof lights.

• Situational Awareness – Do not rely on outdated digital maps. Maintain a constant visual watch for unmarked hazards and be prepared.

To provide a visualization, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is releasing drone footage and photographs of the affected area, which were taken May 6, 2026.

When reporting on this advisory, please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple "MCSO" agencies within the state of Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full agency name ensures public clarity and geographical accuracy.

The photos and drone video provided are authorized for use with proper credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Image: Aerial view of a river diversion around a wooded island, showing a hazardous collection of fallen logs blocking the left channel and a large sandbar on the right.

###

MCSO Deputies Arrest Man For Reckless Driving, Operating On Suspended License Following Pursuit, Crash - 05/01/26

View this release online.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 30-year-old man following a pursuit and crash on Interstate 205.

This incident began around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after the driver of a white BMW SUV nearly hit a patrol deputy’s SUV near Southeast Grand Avenue and Southeast Harrison Street in Portland. Several other drivers had to quickly break to avoid being hit by the BMW.

The driver, later identified as Casey Padula, refused to pull over, which is when deputies initiated a pursuit based on Padula's driving prior to the traffic stop. 

Officers from the Portland Police Bureau and TriMet's Transit Police responded to help. Law enforcement used various pursuit intervention options, but Padula kept driving.  

Eventually, Padula exited I-205 and just before the Southeast Stark Street exit, he crashed into a black pickup, sideswiping it and causing it to roll.

Paramedics took the pickup driver to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Deputies booked Padula into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of felony elude, reckless driving, felony driving while suspended, hit and run, and four counts of reckless endangering.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

Several photos are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Issues Safety Warning As Record Heat Approaches 90 Degrees This Weekend (Photo) - 05/01/26

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Hosts GED Completion Ceremony - 04/27/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) recently hosted a graduation ceremony at its Inverness Jail to celebrate the academic achievements of an adult in custody who completed their General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

This initiative is rooted in the understanding that educational accomplishments are critical tools in improving post-release employment stability. By providing these educational pathways, MCSO aims to combat the long-term economic barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face – including lower annual wages and limited career opportunities – while fostering the critical thinking and quantitative skills necessary for successful reentry and lifelong advancement.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, MCSO’s Programs Unit, in partnership with the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD), held a graduation ceremony at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail marking a significant step forward for our educational programming. While GED preparation has been a consistent offering for adults in custody, a recent grant from the Portland Literacy Council (PLC) has allowed MCSO to restart the testing phase of the program.

MCSO is grateful to the PLC for funding these tests and to MESD educators for their work in the jail’s learning environment.

Earning a GED is often a gateway to further success. Another opportunity for success is through dual credit coursework that allows adults in custody to earn college credit while also earning high school diploma credit. Recently MESD partnered with Mt Hood Community College to offer dual credit courses, including courses focused on college success.   These courses, taught by MESD, provide a direct path toward higher education and successful reentry.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes its Programs Unit and MESD for their commitment to providing access, opportunity, and advancement for people involved in the criminal justice system.

Photos from Tuesday’s event are being released. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple 'MCSO' agencies within Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full name of the sheriff’s office ensures better accuracy.

###

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies Seize Three Firearms, Drugs Near Elementary School - 04/24/26

Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Shares Community Letter Following Release Of Chair’s Proposed Budget For FY 2027 - 04/20/26

View this news release online. 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Today, Monday, April 20, 2026, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell released the following community letter after Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced her proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.

“Despite the current financial realities Multnomah County faces, the vision of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office remains unchanged: Maintaining a safe and thriving community for everyone. We remain laser-focused on our mission to support all community members through exemplary public safety service.

A safe community requires alignment between public expectations and financial investment. I know from my 30 years of experience of living and working in this community that public safety – and the trust people have in that system – is what allows all other social and economic systems to function. When public safety is underfunded, the consequences are felt by everyone.

Multnomah County’s public safety system is a complex hub of local law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, public defenders, the courts, parole and probation, victim and survivor services, and juvenile services. When one part of that system is strained, the effects extend far beyond one agency and are felt systemwide. When the district attorney’s office lacks the staff to prosecute cases, or when the courts can’t hear cases, the impact is felt directly in our jails. When our social safety net fails to address the root causes of homelessness, addiction, and mental health, our deputies and police officers throughout Multnomah County become the primary responders to crisis they are not always the best-equipped to solve.

Recognizing how closely public safety agencies rely on one another, we need to carefully evaluate whether there is funding to maintain a reliable path forward. Each year, I work closely with the Chair to discuss how any budget cuts – or additional funding – may impact our organization. This year, the Chair requested all County departments submit a five percent reduction. In response, I chose to prioritize our core and legally required services.

The Chair’s proposed budget for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office maintains last year’s funded jail capacity. However, as our jail population continues to rise, it is a question of when, not if, that capacity will be insufficient to safely house those in our custody. To focus on our core obligations within our jails, we will continue to collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders as we end the Close Street pretrial program. Even with those changes, a healthy jail relies on a legal system that can work effectively. One consistent issue is the delay in moving people through the court process so that they can have their charges adjudicated and leave jail. To this end, I requested additional full-time staffing to facilitate court processes, which are often delayed due to insufficient staffing. Unfortunately, I did not receive those funds in the Chair’s proposed budget.

For some time, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has explored ways to address critical backlogs in our Investigations and Civil Units, while also maintaining the gun dispossession detail, all are key to community safety and accountability. My approach for this fiscal year was to address these issues by reallocating two deputy sheriff positions from our Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (HOPE) Team into these roles. Based on the Chair's proposed budget this year, I made the difficult choice of eliminating the two deputy sheriff positions assigned to the HOPE Team – effectively ending the program. This decision prioritizes maintaining our legally mandated services.

The link between public safety and economic vitality is critical. Families and businesses rely on a system that delivers protection and accountability to thrive. By maintaining order and promoting community safety, we provide the stability required for our community to recover and move forward with confidence.

I recognize the difficult budget decisions ahead and respect the responsibility the Board of County Commissioners carries as they balance many competing needs.  A safe Multnomah County is a collective effort where our shared goal must be a resilient public safety service network that provides for every member of our community. Our success is built on the recognition that public safety is not the achievement of one agency but the result of functioning alignment where the success of the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Community Justice, and others are viewed as a single victory for the people we serve.”  

###