The focus on crime in Portland is putting prosecutors with cops on the streets to deal with theft. Auto theft in addition to retain theft has been put front and center in the city’s focus on crime. In just two days, officials are saying that officers made 35 arrests, serviced 34 warrants, recovered 31 stolen suspected stolen vehicles, seized 10 illegal firearms, and 2 illegal suppressors. Officers said they also uncovered a chop shop.
Portland officials vehicle theft epidemic is a major focus for the Portland Police Bureau, and now the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office is taking an active role in enforcement. Staffers from DA Mike Schmidt’s office are doing ride-alongs with police officers on stolen vehicle operations.
Officers from Portland and Gresham worked together recently reportedly recovering more than 30 vehicles. One of the arrests involved 34-year-old Christopher Norwood Young. He attempted to get away from police officer during what they said was a traffic stop. The officers ended up at 16600 Block of Northeast Wasco Street, in Gresham.
It was reported that Young was running a chop shop. The officer found car parts and cars. They also found weapons and other illegal items. Christopher Young was given a huge amount of charges and more charges are expected. Young was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and is facing a total of 51 charges.
Below are charges that were release in information given to the media. The crimes include:
– Unlawful Possession of a Firearms Silencer (2 counts)
– Felon in Possession of a Firearm (6 counts)
– Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
– Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (8 counts)
– Forgery in the First Degree
– Forgery in the Second Degree
– Criminal Possession of a Forged -Instrument in the First Degree
– Tampering with Evidence
– Felony Elude
– Misdemeanor Elude
– Reckless Driving
– Reckless Endangering Another Person (16 counts)
– Possession of Burglary Tools
– Trafficking in Stolen Vehicles
– Trafficking in Stolen Vehicles with Destroyed or Altered ID Numbers
– Forgery of Title
– Aggravated Theft in the First Degree
– Theft in the First Degree
– Laundering Monetary Instrument (2 counts)
– Identity Theft (2 counts)
– Aggravated Identity Theft
The DA’s office believes that their presence may help lead to successful prosecutions. Business interests along with residents have become vocal amount the amount if crime that is being reported in the city and surrounding area. Retail theft is one reason that local Walmarts closed in Portland. More stores are going towards using physical stores for delivery services and shopping via apps.
