Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Updates Vehicle Branding For Improved Safety And Efficiency (Photo) -01/14/25

Link to photos and video.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is pleased to announce the rollout of its newly updated vehicle wraps and branding. This initiative marks the first major update to the Sheriff's vehicle graphics since 2017. Some older equipment still displays logos and branding dating back to 2013. The new wraps are designed to improve visibility, enhance safety and streamline the installation processes.

Working with a local vendor, MCSO introduced a fresh, modern design that incorporates the agency's iconic green, gold, white, and black colors. The refreshed branding maintains the distinct diagonal striping that sets MCSO vehicles apart from other agencies. Key updates include larger, bolder text with enhanced contrast, making the markings clearer during the day and at night. The new logos are more prominent, and the contract cities MCSO serves are now listed on the vehicles to reduce confusion, as patrol cars travel throughout the many communities we serve.

Why the Change?

Vehicle branding ensures that deputy’s vehicles are easily identifiable in emergencies, which can be critical in reducing confusion and preventing misidentifications. Clear, highly visible vehicle markings are essential to safety, both for our deputies and the public.

The decision to update the branding was prompted by two main factors: the need to reduce costs and improve turnaround times for installations. In addition, the new design will enhance legibility for those with low vision, ensuring that the MCSO’s presence is clearly visible and accessible to all.

New Branding Roll Out

The first vehicle featuring the updated branding was deployed in December 2024, and the transition will continue throughout 2025, as new vehicles join the fleet and older vehicles are replaced or renewed. Other equipment, such as trailers, all-terrain vehicles and boats, will receive an adapted version of the new branding too.

"We are excited about these updates, and we believe the new designs will help us serve the community more effectively," said Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell. "This is more than just a fresh look—it’s about ensuring our vehicles are easily recognizable, accessible, and safe for everyone."

Update: Adult In Custody Death Investigation, Identity Released (Photo) -01/10/25

Update on 1/10/2025:

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the name of the adult in custody who died on January 8, 2025, now that the next of kin notifications have been completed.

The deceased is 46-year-old Carlos Robert Morris. He was booked into custody on January 2, 2025.

The death investigation, and additional medical Examiner’s investigation, are ongoing. When the ME’s investigation is complete, cause and manner of death can be made publicly available. These investigations typically take up to four months to be completed.

No further comment will be made at this time.

Initial news release on 1/8/2025:

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Corrections deputies found an adult in custody (AIC) unresponsive in their cell on January 8, 2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m. Life saving measures were performed by corrections health members and corrections deputies. Paramedics arrived and continued emergency lifesaving efforts. Unfortunately, the adult in custody was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

As part of our death in custody policy, the East County Major Crimes Team responded to perform the death investigation, in conjunction with the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office. Their investigations help answer questions as to why the death occurred and help us, and our partners, evaluate our response to the emergency.

The age and identity of the adult in custody can be released after next of kin notifications are completed. The cause and manner of death can be made publicly available when the Medical Examiner concludes their death investigation. Because of the time required to complete toxicology analysis, these investigations typically take up to four months to be completed for release. No further information will be released at this time.

MISSING ENDANGERED WOMAN (Photo) -01/03/25

UPDATE 1/3/2025:

Erin Thornton has been found safe and is home. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE 1/2/2025:

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Erin Nicole Thornton, a 37-year-old woman who has been reported missing under concerning circumstances.

Erin was last seen on December 29, 2024, at her home in Fairview, Oregon. She left without her purse, any additional clothing, or her essential medications. Erin does not own a vehicle, has no form of income, and is considered endangered due to mental health and medical conditions – including severe seizures that affect her mobility, memory, and ability to care for herself.

Since leaving home, Erin has contacted her partner on several occasions, expressing her desire to return home but stating she does not know her location. On January 1, 2025, a cell phone ping placed Erin’s phone in Battle Ground, Washington, within a two-mile radius centered around the Battle Ground Walmart. Erin does not have any known friends or family in that area.

Erin Nicole Thornton is a 37-year-old white female, 5’6”, 269 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a red, long sleeved Columbia Sportswear top, Pendleton-style sweater and blue jeans.

If you see Erin, please call 911 immediately. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office tip line 503-988-0560. Reference MCSO case number 24-51801.

Attempted Carjacking In Troutdale Ends In An Arrest (Photo) -12/27/24

On 12/27/24 at around 1:40pm, a 32-year-old Victor Salgado-Almazan attempted to carjack two individuals at gunpoint at the TA Parking lot located 790 NW Frontage Rd in Troutdale, OR. Both victims were strangers to Salgado-Almazan. He ran from the scene as Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded, however, a short time later he was found hiding in a tent nearby.

The weapon was later recovered and identified as a BB Gun. MCSO Deputies noted that it looked very much like a real gun.

Salgado-Almazan was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on the following charges:

• Robbery II
• Attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle
• Unlawful entry into a motor vehicle
• Menacing
• Unlawful use of a weapon
• Harassment
• Criminal mischief II

1 Hurt, 1 Arrested In Christmas Eve Stabbing; Investigation Ongoing (Photo) -12/24/24

Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies, along with Lake Oswego police officers, responded to the 1600 block of S Collina Avenue in unincorporated Multnomah County at 2:30 a.m., after dispatchers received an emergency call for help following a stabbing at a home.

Law enforcement officers located the suspect, a teenage boy, outside the home and arrested him. Paramedics transported the victim, an adult man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim and suspect are related.

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office detectives were called out to the home to investigate the crime.

The teenager is being charged with assault in the first degree and will be taken to the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Facility. The investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.

No further information will be released at this time.