On Sunday, February 18, 2024, officers from East Precinct and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) conducted a retail theft and criminal interdiction mission. Working closely with retail partners, the two agencies conducted stops on suspected shoplifters. During this mission, two drivers eluded police at dangerous speeds through the community, even after the police stopped chasing them. With the assistance of the PPB’s Air Support Unit (ASU), these vehicles were followed safely from the air until the subjects stopped and ran from the vehicles. Police K9 assisted with tracking and capturing the suspects.
One pursuit of note was an Audi sedan stolen out of Hillsboro, Oregon whose driver eluded at dangerous speeds starting from Southeast 113th Avenue and Southeast Stark Street before concluding at Southeast 21st Avenue and Southeast Yamhill Street (24-40707). Video of the event is available here:
https://youtu.be/AzSrpYXCYxY
A brief pursuit was terminated by the officers for safety reasons. ASU coordinated resources to attempt intervention strategies. At one point, the driver stopped the Audi and two passengers jumped out and ran on foot. The driver continued to the area of Southeast 21st Avenue and Southeast Yamhill Street. The suspects ran from the vehicle into a backyard, then forced entry into a home that was vacant for the weekend. With the assistance of Central Precinct officers, a perimeter was set around the block and a Portland Police K9 was used to search the home. The suspects were hiding in the basement. Four people in total were detained from the Audi and two were charged with felony crimes. The driver of the Audi, Austin L. Denison, 29, of Sherwood, Oregon, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on charges of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicle, Burglary in the First Degree, Recklessly Endangering another Person (6 counts), Attempt to Elude Police Officer (motor vehicle), Attempting to Elude Police Officer (on foot), and 3 arrest warrants. The passenger, Shelby B. Steelman, 28, of Hillsboro, Oregon was booked into MCDC on charges of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Entry into Motor Vehicle, Burglary in the First Degree, and 3 warrants.
This is another example of interagency collaboration resulting in the capture of individuals putting the community at risk. PPB East and MCSO plan to continue conducting these missions to address theft and other criminal behavior in Portland and Multnomah County.
Refer to mission statistics below:
21 - Arrests
25 - Felony Charges
33 - Misdemeanor Charges
10 - Criminal Citations
10 - Felony Warrants
13 - Misdemeanor Warrants
2 - Violation Citations
2 - Stolen Vehicles ($38,000.00 Recovered Stolen Vehicle Value)
36 - Fentanyl Pills
12.7 grams - Methamphetamine
Photo descriptions:
1- Two Police cars pinning a suspect vehicle with front bumpers
2- Recovered stolen black Hyundai
3- Dismantled steering column of Hyundai
4- Portland Police officers holding the arm of a theft suspect in handcuffs in front of a black patrol SUV
5- Recovered stolen Audi
###PPB###