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The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office seeks the public’s assistance locating a wanted suspect who fled from deputies when they attempted to serve a search warrant on his vehicle. The suspect, 31-year-old Christopher Lee Denton, is wanted for drug crimes in Multnomah County.

On Jan. 20, 2022, around 3:30 p.m., MCSO deputies approached Denton in his car at Southwest 19th Avenue and West Burnside Street. When deputies began giving him commands to exit the vehicle, he drove over a curb and onto the sidewalk, and sped away in his car east on Southwest Morrison Street. Deputies did not pursue Denton for safety reasons. 

It was reported that Denton drove in opposing lanes of traffic, sped through red lights and put the public and pedestrians in significant danger. Deputies received a report that Denton hit and destroyed a set of bike racks at Southwest Morrison St. and Southwest 10^th Ave. An additional report indicated Denton collided with another vehicle while traveling east on the Morrison Bridge. Soon after, Portland Police officers located Denton’s vehicle abandoned at Southeast 6^th Avenue and Southeast Salmon Street.

Unfortunately, Denton was not located. Deputies searched the car and located a bag full of suspected fentanyl pills and a digital scale.

Denton is approximately 5’9”, weighs 170 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. He has ties to Gresham, outer Southeast Portland and North Portland. 

If you know where Denton is or his whereabouts, you’re urged to call the MCSO Tip Line at 503-988-0560 and reference MCSO case number: 22-2786.

Attached to this press release is Denton’s most recent booking photo. The release of the booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with MCSO Policy 1225  and Oregon House Bill 3273. Video also shows Denton running away from his vehicle (please note the timestamp on the video is inaccurate).

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Transit Police Division seeks the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who was involved in a robbery at the East 122^nd Avenue MAX Station on E. Burnside around 1 p.m. on January 4, 2022. Security camera footage captured the suspect attacking an elderly male who was seated in a wheelchair near the ticket kiosk. The suspect used force to steal the victim's wallet, which reportedly contained approximately $1,000.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his late teens or early twenties with brown eyes and black hair. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a “Cookies” brand hooded-style sweatshirt. A photograph of the suspect is attached.

If you recognize this individual, please contact the Transit Police Division by calling 503-962-7566, and reference MCSO Case # 22-415.

Attachments: 
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Due to excessive rainfall and rapid snowmelt, several landslides have occurred in the Columbia River Gorge. Active land movement is life threatening and may continue throughout this current weather system.

As of 2 p.m. on January 6, 2022, I-84 eastbound remains closed from Milepost 17 through 62. The Historic Columbia River Highway 30 is also closed east from Larch Mountain Road in Corbett. I-84 westbound from Hood River to Troutdale is open. Please avoid this area and visit TripCheck.com for the latest travel conditions and road closures.

• If you are in a low-lying area near hills or canyons stay alert - look and listen for signs of active land movement. Keep windows open so you can hear well. Visit PublicAlerts.org.
• Signs of active land movement: Loud rumbling, streams and creeks that have grown larger with more mud and debris, rocks, or mud flowing downhill. Immediately move to higher ground if this happens. 
• Do not drive through flooded areas, even if it looks passable.
• Call 911 to report any active land movement or flooding that appears to be an emergency.
• Visit PublicAlerts.org to learn about flood and land movement safety and to sign up to receive emergency alerts in Multnomah County. Getting information quickly gives you the power to act. Alerts are sent by text, email, or voice message.
• Communities need to be aware of the danger that exists in their area. Monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and to take action if you determine it is necessary for your safety and wellbeing.

Image descriptions: Photos are titled by the approximate location they were taken.

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Update on fatal pedestrian collision that occurred in Troutdale on 12/30/21:

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Team (VCT) has completed a preliminary investigation into the fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in Troutdale on Thursday, December 30, 2021. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the pedestrian as 59-year-old James Chris Colasanti.

VCT investigators determined Colasanti crossed SW 257^th Avenue, from east to west, near SW 28^th Street around 5:30 p.m. As Colasanti crossed, he was nearly hit by one vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes. Colasanti continued walking westbound, and moments later, was struck by a 2002 Dodge Durango, operated by a 39-year-old driver, traveling south on 257^th Avenue. Colasanti did not survive his injuries and was declared deceased on scene by medical personnel.

Further investigation found that Colasanti was not in a marked crosswalk and was wearing dark clothing at night. Investigators interviewed the involved driver and did not find signs of impairment. Speed is also not believed to be a factor.

Based on the preliminary results of the investigation, the driver has not been arrested or cited. The investigation is ongoing, and no further comment will be made at this time.

 

Initial press release on Dec. 30, 2021

Pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle in Troutdale

On Thursday, December 30th, at 5:31 p.m., Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a pedestrian struck near the intersection of Southwest 257^th Ave. & Southwest 28^th St. in Troutdale. Medical personnel pronounced the pedestrian deceased on scene. Deputies contacted the driver, who remained at the location after the collision.

Because the crash resulted in a death, the Vehicular Crimes Team (VCT) responded to perform a crash investigation. Southwest 257^th Avenue will be closed between Southwest 25^th Street and Southeast Stark Street for an extended period of time while the crash is being investigated.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

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The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is no longer providing booking photos on its online jail roster in compliance with Oregon House Bill 3273.

Under the new state law, effective January 1, 2022, law enforcement agencies may not release a booking photo, except under certain circumstances, such as:

1. to the person depicted in the booking photo, 
2. to another law enforcement agency, or to a law enforcement officer employed by another law enforcement agency, for a law enforcement purpose,
3. to the public, if the law enforcement agency determines that there is a law enforcement purpose for the release, including but not limited to assistance with the apprehension of a fugitive or a suspect in a criminal investigation, or the identification of additional criminal activity;
4. Upon the conviction of the person depicted in the booking photo, if the conviction results from the arrest during which the booking photo was obtained. 

Jail booking details, including names and charges, will remain available at the MCSO Public Access Inmate Data (PAID) webpage. A message will be displayed on the webpage reminding visitors booking photos have been restricted per state law.

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