An adult male is behind bars and facing charges after breaking into a business and causing significant damage.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to reports of a break-in at an automotive shop in the 14000 block of Northeast Airport Way. When officers arrived, they noticed that several windows were broken and they heard yelling coming from inside the business. Officers established a perimeter and began communicating with the suspect who was described as combative. At one point, he threw a hammer through a broken window at officers, almost hitting them. It was clear the suspect was either under the influence of a controlled substance, experiencing a mental health crisis, or a combination of the two. Officers on the Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) were on scene and began utilizing de-escalation and communication skills in order to safely take the suspect into custody. Their efforts paid off as the suspect eventually responded to the de-escalation tactics. He was taken into custody peacefully and without use of force, but not before causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to vehicles inside the business.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Alvie Sanders, was taken to the hospital to be treated for self-inflicted injuries from broken glass. Sanders was then transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on an outstanding warrant and the following charges: Burglary in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree.
It is worth nothing, as primary responders to crisis calls, all Portland Police Bureau officers receive basic Crisis Intervention Training as well as annual CIT refresher training. In addition, the Bureau has volunteer officers from a variety of patrol assignments on the Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT). These officers will be the first responders dispatched by 9-1-1 to crisis calls that are determined to be related to an individual in crisis. ECIT officers receive additional training in order to identify risks during a behavioral crisis, utilize crisis communication techniques to help de-escalate a person in crisis, and have knowledge of available community resources.
Photo description: Damaged door
Photo description: Damaged vehicle
Photo description: Damaged vehicle
Photo description: Suspect under arrest
Photo description: Hammer
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