On Thursday, November 30, 2017, at 6:30 p.m., Transit Police Division officers arrested two juvenile males in connection to thefts and robberies that have occurred on the TriMet system.
While patrolling the Gateway Transit Center, Transit Police Division officers recognized two males as suspects in several thefts and robberies that have occurred on the transit system serving Southeast 82nd Avenue, the Rose Quarter Transit Center and Gateway Transit Center. The suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Both of the juvenile males were lodged at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home. One of the males was lodged on charges of Robbery in the Second Degree and Assault in the Third Degree. The other male was lodged on two counts each of Robbery in the Second Degree and Assault in the Third Degree. Detectives believe there will be more charges filed against the two males, as well as additional arrests related to these incidents.
The Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Robbery Detail and the Transit Police Division continue to investigate the thefts and robberies that have occurred on the transit system since September. Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Detective Hiedi Housley at 503-823-1063 or Hiedi.Housley@portlandoregon.gov or Detective William Winters at 503-823-0466 or William.Winters@portlandoregon.gov
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The Police Bureau is aware of incidents that have occurred during the preceding three months in which a group of juveniles have taken individuals' unsecured or unattended items, as well as taken items by force. It is believed the group involved in these thefts and robberies is comprised of five to eight juveniles. There have not been reports of the suspects using weapons.
The Transit Police Division is working with the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Robbery Detail to identify and locate the suspects believed to be responsible for these crimes. The Transit Division and Robbery Detail are using information provided by victims and witnesses, as well as video footage captured by some of the more than 4,400 cameras on the TriMet system to identify the suspects involved in these incidents.
The Transit Police Division has increased patrols in the areas affected by these crimes. Based on information gathered, officers believe the incidents are predominately occurring on the transit system serving 82nd Avenue, as well as between the Rose Quarter Transit Center and Gateway Transit Center.
The Police Bureau reminds community members to:
* Be aware of their surroundings. If you feel uneasy or threatened, move to another
area of the vehicle or another train car and alert the operator or call 9-1-1.
* Stay awake and alert as you travel -- know where you are and where you are going.
* Maintain close control of your belongings. Do not put your purse, shopping bag or
backpack on the seat next to you. Keep them in your lap, under your arm or between
your feet.
* Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronic devices.
* The Police Bureau encourages everyone to be an observant witness. If you observe
behavior that violates TriMet rules or the law, contact fare inspectors or police.
Contact 9-1-1 if you observe a crime.
* If you are the victim of a crime, please evaluate the benefit of confronting the
suspect. Often times, providing police with a good description of the suspect and
the direction the left the scene is the safest for everyone.
* If you are a witness to a crime, please remain on-scene or provide the emergency
call-taker with your contact information so officers may contact you at a later time.
Anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a person
who commits a crime on TriMet may receive up to a $1,000.00 reward provided by
TriMet.
Detectives have identified several people believed to be involved in these incidents and anticipate arrests in the near future as the investigations continue. Anyone with information regarding these crimes or similar crimes committed on the TriMet system should call 503-823-3333.
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