PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN 6) – Police have arrested three felons and have recovered two stolen firearms after getting reports of a gang-related party and fight near Denorval Unthank City Park.
Officers with the Gang Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle after witnessing the driver commit a traffic violation, according to police. The driver and two passengers were known to police as gang associates and there was no proof of insurance in the vehicle.
One of the passengers, Jeffrey Cooper, 24, was initially arrested and held on a parole violation. As the second passenger, Malachi Mandley, 23, was exiting the vehicle, officers spotted a handgun in the car, police spokesperson Sgt. Pete Simpson said.
During a search of the vehicle, police located a second handgun. Officers later learned both guns were stolen in separate burglaries.
The driver, Marchelow Vaida, 28, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. All three men are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a loaded firearm. All three are also being held for probation violations.
According to police records, in 2005, which Vaida was 18, he was shot by Portland police officers during an exchange of gunfire after a short foot pursuit. Police archives show that the shooting occurred after two Gang Enforcement Team officers tried to contact him and he fled. A short time later, Vaida fired several shots at the pursuing officers. The officers returned fire and struck Vaida several times.
He served 8.5 years in prison after being convicted of attempted aggravated murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
All three are expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon for their first court appearance.
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Anyone with information about gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau’s Tactical Operations Division at 503-823-4106 or email information to gangs@portlandoregon.gov.