MCSO Celebrates 29 Adults In Custody Graduating Reentry Skills Program In 2025 - 01/14/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) had 29 adults in custody (AIC) graduate from the Aramark IN2Work program in 2025.

“IN2WORK and MCSO are focused on preparing people to reenter our community with skills that translate into purpose,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “When we equip adults in custody with life skills, we are strengthening our communities, working to reduce recidivism, and creating pathways to stability, while supporting public safety.”

“IN2WORK is an opportunity to help transform lives, and create opportunities for our graduates,” said Eddie Climber, district manager for Aramark’s western region.

IN2WORK was founded on a simple but powerful belief that providing meaningful education and hands-on training can help break the cycle of recidivism.

MCSO fully implemented the IN2WORK program in 2024.

Through MCSO’s partnership with IN2WORK, participants are offered education and food safety training and certifications for a path to success both during and post-incarceration. The program provides AICs with the sense of working in a team environment.

After completing the program, many of the participants are given pathways to sustainable employment and community reintegration upon release through Aramark’s job placement component program.

AICs are selected based on a comprehensive screening process. Eligibility is contingent upon being fully sentenced, meeting work program standards, maintaining medical clearance for food service, and demonstrating both the educational aptitude and the long-term commitment required to complete the curriculum.

Of the 29 AICs who graduated in 2025, 15 earned ServSafe certifications from the National Restaurant Association.

“We do not believe a person’s time in custody should define their outcomes,” said MCSO Chief Deputy Stephen Reardon, who oversees the MCSO Corrections Division. “IN2WORK supports our belief that people can leave our custody better prepared than when they entered.”

“Education and training inside our facilities create real opportunities to change lives,” said MCSO Programs Unit Manager Steve Ciccotelli. “IN2WORK empowers adults in custody to build confidence, gain practical skills, and prepare for a future where success is possible. Every step toward readiness helps individuals achieve stability and lowers the likelihood of returning to custody.”

MCSO hosted four classes in 2025, which resulted in 64 hours of prep time for program instructors and deputies.

In 2024, MCSO had 18 IN2WORK graduates.

Nationwide, Aramark’s IN2WORK program has empowered over 14,000 incarcerated individuals with career-ready certifications, transforming lives and offering hope through food safety, warehousing, workforce training and post-release employment opportunities.

Media interested in interviews related to the IN2WORK program should contact the MCSO Public Information Officer (PIO).

Aramark provides food services and facilities management to hospitals, universities, school districts, stadiums, and other businesses around the world.

###

MCSO Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Presents Inaugural National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Service Award - 01/09/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell presented two MCSO deputies with the agency’s inaugural National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Service Award.

Friday, January 9, 2026, is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

“This is a day to pause, reflect, and to thank our law enforcement professionals here in Multnomah County and across the country,” said Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell. “Public safety is a daily commitment, carried out with care and accountability by those who understand the weight of their authority and the immense trust placed in them.”

The work of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) extends far beyond its patrol function. Our deputies provide other essential services, such as civil enforcement, investigations, search and rescue, and river patrol. MCSO operates two corrections facilities.

At the core of what MCSO does every day is to protect our neighborhoods and to operate safe and efficient jails, Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said.

In 2025, through focused patrols, thorough investigations, and proactive enforcement – MCSO Deputy Jeffrey Wass and Deputy Kyle Beam recovered nearly 60 firearms by themselves, which is truly remarkable.

In addition to the firearms they seized, Deputy Wass and Deputy Beam have returned an estimated $400,000 worth of stolen property. They have also seized multiple sets of body armor and more than 10 pounds of controlled substances. These outcomes reflect MCSO’s workforce that is dedicated to the safety of everyone served.  

In 2025, MCSO deputies responded to 219 calls for service that ended with a firearm being lodged into the MCSO property room. Of those 219 calls for service, MCSO deputies lodged 415 firearms, which is about a 6% increase from 2024. Collectively, over the past five years, MCSO deputies have seized about 2,700 firearms.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell added that the impact of Deputy Wass and Deputy Beam’s work in 2025 is rooted in collaboration – whether that is with the District Attorney’s Office, other police agencies, or within MCSO itself. Both Deputy Wass and Deputy Beam are passionate about supporting other deputies when it comes to investigating firearm-related offenses, stolen property, and drug crimes.

“Each firearm removed from illegal possession represents potential harm avoided, a conflict interrupted, and a life possibly saved,” said Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell.

MCSO’s National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Service Award recognizes a member, or members, of MCSO for exemplary public safety service.

In December 2025, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association also recognized Deputy Wass for his work and presented him with an award at the OSSA winter conference.

Both Deputy Beam and Deputy Wass are lateral hires to MCSO – meaning they came to MCSO with active police accreditation from another agency.

Several photos are being released from today’s ceremony.

Media may used these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Video from today’s event and a 2025 patrol shift ride along will also be provided to media.

###

MCSO Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Issues Statement On Shooting Involving Federal Agents In Portland - 01/08/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell issued the following statement in response to the shooting in Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood.

“The use of deadly force by law enforcement weighs heavily on all of us who serve.

I am monitoring the situation that occurred this afternoon in Southeast Portland. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office was not involved in the shooting, nor were we on scene when it happened.

My thoughts are with those who were injured during this shooting, their families, and anyone who witnessed it.

Moments like this can create even greater fear and I recognize the weight of emotion our country and now our community is carrying right now.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is here to keep people safe. This is a tense and emotional moment, but our commitment remains the same. MCSO deputies will continue to respond with professionalism and care for everyone in our community.

As Sheriff, I support the community’s right to peacefully and lawfully assemble. If people choose to gather, we ask that it be done lawfully and safely. As a community, we must commit to responses that heal rather than destroy. MCSO stands ready to support the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) to advance public safety.”

Message Translated in Spanish:

Un Mensaje de la Alguacil del Condado de Multnomah Sobre el Tiroteo en Portland Involucrando Agentes Federales

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – La Alguacil del Condado de Multnomah, Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell, comparte el siguiente mensaje en respuesta al tiroteo ocurrido en el barrio de Hazelwood, en Portland.

El uso de la fuerza letal por parte de las fuerzas del orden nos pesa mucho a todos los que servimos nuestra comunidad.

Estoy siguiendo de cerca la situación que se ha producido esta tarde en el sureste de Portland. Quiero hacer claro que nuestra oficina no ha participado en el tiroteo, ni estuvimos presentes en el lugar donde ocurrieron los hechos. 

Mis oraciones están con los heridos, sus familias y todos los que lo presenciaron. 

Momentos como este pueden generar aún más miedo y estoy consciente del peso emocional que nuestro país y ahora nuestra comunidad asume en estos momentos.

La investigación está siendo llevada a cabo por el FBI. 

La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Multnomah está aquí para garantizar la seguridad de todos los miembros de la comunidad. Este es un momento tenso y emotivo, pero nuestro compromiso sigue siendo el mismo. Los deputados de MCSO seguirán respondiendo con profesionalismo y atención a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad.

Como Alguacil, apoyo el derecho de la comunidad a reunirse de forma pacífica y legal. Si deciden reunirse, pedimos que lo hagan de forma legal y segura. Como comunidad, debemos comprometernos a dar respuestas que sanen y fomentan la paz en lugar de destruir. MCSO está dispuesta a apoyar a la Oficina de Policía de Portland (PPB) para promover la seguridad pública.

###

MCSO Investigating Rollover, DUII Crash; Firefighters Conduct High-Angle Rope Rescue - 01/04/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) are investigating a suspected impaired driving crash that resulted in a vehicle going down an embankment and becoming partially submerged in a creek.

This investigation began just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, when the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a crash notification from a person’s cellphone near Southeast Troutdale Road and Southeast Division Drive in Troutdale.

The phone line remained open, but no one on the other end responded. Emergency dispatchers used GPS technology to map the location of the phone, which showed the phone and vehicle off the road.

MCSO deputies responded and located a vehicle down an approximately 20-foot embankment. They could hear the driver, later identified as Fred Jimenez, yelling for help.

Jimenez told deputies he had only sustained minor injuries but could not climb out.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Jimenez lost control of his car as he traveled through the intersection. The car landed on its roof, partially submerged in a creek.

The Gresham Fire Department responded and conducted a high-angle rope rescue to get Jimenez from the car and up the embankment.

Paramedics took him to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies have issued Jimenez a criminal citation for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).

Due to the potential environmental hazard, deputies asked a tow truck respond and had the car removed from the creek.

Several photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

MCSO thanks the Gresham Fire Department for their assistance with this case.

No further information is available for release at this time.

MCSO ‘Fill The Cruiser Toy Drive’ Brings Holiday Joy To Over 1,100 Children - 12/30/25

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) proudly announces the conclusion of the 2025 Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive, which served 1,112 children from 280 families, marking one of our most successful toy drives to date.

The Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive is an annual effort that brings together deputies, community partners, and local families to ensure children across East Multnomah County experience a joyful holiday season.

Over the past several weeks, MCSO, in collaboration with its contract cities, collected hundreds of new, unwrapped toys at city hall locations in Fairview, Wood Village, Maywood Park, and Troutdale. Additionally, deputies and volunteers staffed tables at local retail locations where they received numerous donations. The MCSO Community Events Team coordinated the drive.

Organizers distributed the donated toys during a toy giveaway event held on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Families living throughout East Multnomah County were invited to the church to select gifts for their children, which corrections and law enforcement deputies and volunteers wrapped on site.

“Our goal for the giveaway is to create a welcoming, festive environment where parents can shop with dignity, so their kids can look forward to a brighter holiday,” said Multnomah County Deputy Sheriff Jessie Volker. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed.”

MCSO extends heartfelt thanks to the participating cities and the many residents who made this year’s Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive a success.

Several photos from this year’s event are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

MCSO Deputies Arrest Man Accused Of Ramming Patrol Vehicles - 12/27/25

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Oregon (MCSO) – Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 62-year-old man who is accused of ramming his car into two patrol vehicles in an attempt to escape a traffic stop.

This investigation began around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, when MCSO deputies saw a car parked near Northeast Prescott Drive and Northeast 136^th Avenue in Portland. The car had a stolen license plate on it.

When deputies approached the car, they could see a person, later identified as Steven Thomas Fitzpatrick, sleeping inside. The vehicle identification number (VIN) was also covered.

Deputies positioned their vehicles around the car to box it in. They also placed a device near the tire to cause a controlled release of air in case the driver took off.

When deputies knocked on the window and announced their presence, Fitzpatrick woke up, moved to the driver’s seat, started the car, and began to rev the engine.

Fitzpatrick is accused of driving forward and in reverse, hitting the MCSO patrol vehicles that boxed him in – causing minor damage.

Eventually, Fitzpatrick exited the car. Deputies took him into custody without further incident.

Deputies booked Fitzpatrick into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He is charged with two counts of attempting to elude in a vehicle.

Several photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

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. 

MCSO Investigating In-Custody Death At Inverness Jail - 12/24/25

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating the death of an adult in custody at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail, located at 11540 Northeast Inverness Drive in Portland.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the person who died as we move through this investigation,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Incidents like this can also impact MCSO employees and our partner agencies.”

“MCSO has policies and procedures that guide our response following an in-custody death, and those processes are underway to ensure we conduct a thorough investigation,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell added.

At approximately 2:40 a.m., on Wednesday December 24, 2025, deputies found an unresponsive adult in custody in a dorm.

Deputies and Multnomah County Health Department Corrections Health personnel administered lifesaving measures. Paramedics from the Portland Fire Bureau and American Medical Response (AMR) continued medical care and transported the person to the hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the adult in custody died at the hospital.

In accordance with standard protocol, the East County Major Crimes Team was activated to conduct a death investigation.

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading the death investigation. The person’s age and identity will be released once their family has been notified.

Information about how and why the person died will be shared after the Medical Examiner completes their investigation.

No additional information can be released at this time.

The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.

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.

###