This afternoon, Justin E. Hill, 40, was released from the hospital and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver (property damage).
The investigation is continuing. If anyone has took images or video of the incident, they're asked to contact Detective Chris Traynor at Christopher.Traynor@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0451.
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The suspect involved in Friday's car theft and kidnapping incident remains in the hospital, but the investigation into the case is continuing. The primary detective has learned that some people were taking pictures and/or video of the incident in the area of Northeast 21st Avenue and Northeast Multnomah Street. Those may be crucial evidence in the case. If anyone has took images of the incident, they're asked to contact Detective Chris Traynor at Christopher.Traynor@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0451 as soon as possible.
The suspect remains in police custody at a hospital. His identity and information about criminal charges will be released after he is booked into jail.
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A man who stole a car with a 3-year-old child inside was arrested after he was chased and detained by community members.
On Friday, February 25, 2022 at 8:07a.m., North Precinct officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 4000 block of Northeast 16th Avenue. The caller reported that someone had jumped in her running car and drove away with her 3-year-old son in the back seat. The boy's father, who was also there, got in his car and followed the suspect. The father used his vehicle to crash into the stolen vehicle near Northeast 21st Avenue and Northeast Multnomah Street. The suspect got out and ran.
The father recovered the child from the mother's car and found him to be unhurt. The father told passers by what had happened, and community members pursued the suspect. At Northeast 19th Avenue and Northeast Pacific Street, a community member used his car to pin the suspect up against a fence (photos). Other community members physically restrained the suspect until police could get there and arrest him.
The suspect was injured during the struggle and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. He is in police custody while he is being medically treated.
Portland Police detectives responded to the scene and are investigating. The suspect will be identified after he is charged with a crime.
If anyone has information about this case, and has not already talked to investigators, please e-mail crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 22-52426.
Photo description: white sedan resting against a chain-link fence, perspective from the rear of the driver's side
Photo 2 description: same vehicle, perspective from the rear of the passenger side
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