Crowd Tears Down Fence, Enters Property, Blocks N. Mississippi Avenue

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December 08, 2020 15:12

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Today, as Portland Police remained on the perimeter of properties in the 4400 Block of North Mississippi Avenue waiting for private contractors to fence the property, people began to gather nearby. People attempted to get inside the perimeter at various locations, despite the presence of uniformed police personnel, police vehicles and police tape. Officers also reminded people not to enter the perimeter. Officers made some arrests and reported using pepper spray in at least one instance.

As police stood on the perimeter, some were subjected to thrown objects such as rocks and paint-filled balloons.

At about 9:42 a.m., contractors finished their work and Portland Police and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office personnel removed the perimeter. Portland Police gave loudspeaker announcements reminding those present not to interfere with fencing and to stay off the private property. Police completely left the area right before 10 a.m. and almost immediately, people removed a portion of the fence and entered the private property.

Portland Police returned and attempted to disperse people from the property, however, people began throwing objects at police vehicles and officers, broke police vehicle windows and flattened tires on two police vehicles. Officers disengaged and people entered the private property again. A crowd of people eventually used fencing and other materials to block North Mississippi Avenue and began stockpiling rocks.

Portland Police have remained out of the area and are monitoring the situation for the time being. We will provide updates when available.

The following are names of additional people arrested:
26-year-old Malik Farrakhan - Interfering with a peace officer, resist arrest
32-year-old Benjamin Einhorn - Interfering a with a peace officer
31-year-old Coral Cloutman - Disorderly Conduct II
24-year-old Stephen Wiens - Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering a with peace officer
23-year-old Marshall Piotcowski - Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering a with peace officer
26-year-old Alicxandra Blake Lucero - Interfere with a peace officer, Resist Arrest, Trespass II

###PPB###

****Original message below****

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at approximately 5:00 a.m., members of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) assisted the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in returning private property in the 4400 block of North Mississippi Avenue to the property owners. For background information, see an earlier press release by MCSO https://flashalert.net/id/MCSO/140634.

Over the past three months, people have been illegally trespassing on properties on Mississippi Avenue, including in a house and on privately owned lots. Today, police encountered people trespassing at these locations.

A few minutes before 5:00 a.m., officers secured a perimeter by blocking streets and sidewalks surrounding these properties in order to limit access and help ensure the safety of community members as well as police.

PPB and MCSO coordinated their arrival and secured the properties. As police arrived they encountered one person armed with a firearm and safely took that person into custody. Officers were able to contact other people on the properties and safely secure it within a few minutes. PPB recovered firearms on the property.

Portland Police officers stood by while private property owners began to secure their property who police have been working with in anticipation of this morning's activities. Private property owners arranged for boarding up and fencing.

According to call log data, over the three-month period, from September 1 to November 30, 2020, at least 81 calls for service were placed for issues related to these properties and the immediate area. Calls for service included, but were not limited to: fights, disturbances, shots fired, burglary, thefts, vandalism, noise violations, trespassing, threats (including by armed individuals), and for illegally blocking traffic, sidewalks and access to homes. Throughout this period, PPB officers spoke with many community members about their concerns and the threatening behavior and intimidation they experienced in the neighborhood around these properties.

Portland Police worked with property owners leading up to this morning's activity. Neighbors are encouraged to continue reporting any criminal activity associated with these properties in the future. The Portland Police Bureau will continue to work in collaboration with community members and local partners to achieve a safe outcome for all.
Arrests included:
41-year-old Charles Stubbs -- Trespass II
44-year-old Lester Wrecksie -- Trespass II
40-year-old Joshua Rodgers -- Trespass II
25-year-old Jonathan Lalej -- Trespass II
31-year-old Matthew Stewart -- Trespass II
43-year-old Christopher Wilkins -- Trespass II
31-year-old Nicholas Piochei -- Trespass II, Resist Arrest

###PPB###

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