A traffic stop on the border of the Hazelwood, Powellhurst-Gilbert, and Centennial neighborhoods ended with the seizure of an illegally possessed firearm and three arrests.
On Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 8:55p.m., officers with the Gun Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Southeast 142nd Avenue and Southeast Division Street. They had information that a passenger in the car, John J. Weems (photo), was associating with others involved in gun violence and had a warrant. During the stop, officers saw a gun in the car. Weems was arrested on the warrant and two other occupants were arrested for interfering with police. A 9mm semiautomatic handgun (photo) was seized as evidence.
Booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center were Weems, 24, for a warrant and parole violation, Duronte I. Talton, 29 (photo) for Interfering with a Peace Officer, and Kaleb E. Anderson (photo) for Interfering with a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest.
Other charges are expected pending further investigation.
In an effort to curb retaliatory violence, the Gun Violence Reduction Team is engaging in enhanced patrols to interdict criminal behaviors. In addition, the Gun Violence Reduction Team members will be coordinating with partners, including the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Multnomah County Parole and Probation, the United States Attorney's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oregon Youth Authority, East Metro Gang Enforcement Team, and the Office of Youth Violence Prevention.
Gun violence can result in death, serious injury, and life changing trauma to those targeted and also those in close proximity. The Gun Violence Reduction Team and community partners will work together to attempt to curb this violence, but they need the community's help.
Anyone with information about gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at 503-823-4106 or email information to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov
Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared with investigators as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects.
Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov
If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a minimum $250 cash reward to anyone who reports a convicted felon or a juvenile in possession of a firearm and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Submit an anonymous tip:
Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.
Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823
Call 503-823-HELP (4357)
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