UPDATE #2: Suspect Arrested in Connection to SE Hawthorne Blvd Area Harassment Investigations (Photo)

November 26, 2018 20:20

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On Monday, November 26, 2018, at 6:31 p.m. Central Precinct officers arrested 37-year-old Justin C. Venable in connection with multiple reports of a suspect poking people in the Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard area with a thin rigid metal rod.

This investigation began on Saturday, November 24, 2018, when officers assigned to Central and East Precincts began investigating the reports of a suspect approaching strangers and poking them with a thin rigid metal rod.

During one of the investigations, officers learned a person who had come in contact with the suspect captured a picture of the suspect. As the investigation continued, officers learned the suspect in the picture was likely Venable. The Police Bureau and community members shared information about the incidents with the public.

At 5:35 p.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018, a community member contacted police reporting they had seen the suspect involved in these investigations near Southeast 34th Avenue and Southeast Belmont Street. Officers responded to the area and began to search the neighborhood for the suspect. An officer located a person matching the suspect's description near Southeast 35th Avenue and Southeast Main Street. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Officers also located objects believed to be the thin rigid metal rods used to poke victims. The objects were located during a search of Venable and seized as evidence.

Venable was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on charges of

Anyone with information regarding Venable or any of the investigations should contact Officer William Green at 503-823-0344or William.Green@portlandoregon.gov

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The suspect believed to be involved in multiple incidents in which community members reported being poked by a suspect with a slender rigid metal object has been identified as 37-year-old Justin C. Venable. Venable is described as a white male, 6'1" tall, 170 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. A photograph of Venable is provided with this release.

Officers continue to search for Venable. Anyone who sees Venable should not approach him, but immediately call 9-1-1. Anyone with information regarding Venable, including where he may be located should contact Officer William Green at 503-823-0344 or William.Green@portlandoregon.gov

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Officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Central and East Precincts have responded to four incidents that started Saturday, November 24, at 8:25 p.m. to Monday, November 26, 2018, at 12:25 a.m., regarding a suspect reportedly poking community members with a thin metal object.

Based on information gathered at this time, officers have learned a suspect matching the same description was involved in the following incidents:
* Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 8:25 p.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 35th Avenue;
* Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 11:13 p.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 36th Avenue;
* Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 3:45 p.m., near Southeast Ankeny Street and Southeast 20th Avenue; and
* Monday, November 26, 2108, at 12:25 a.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 40th Avenue

Based on information gathered at this time, the suspect approached people who were walking through the neighborhood and poked the victims, then continued walking. None of the victims reported needing medical attention after the incidents. The suspect has been identified as a 30 to 50-year-old white male, 6' to 6'2" tall, with short blond or red hair, wearing a blue jacket and black pants, carrying a black backpack, armed with a thin piece of rigid metal. A picture of the suspect is provided with this press release.

The Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team is investigating these incidents. Anyone with information regarding an immediate danger to life or safety related to this investigation should contact 9-1-1. Persons with non-emergency information about these investigations should contact Officer William Green at 503-823-0344 or William.Green@portlandoregon.gov

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