PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people are in custody after they allegedly used a stolen vehicle to elude police, tried to run an officer over and then fled in to the Hendon house in North Portland Sunday.
The Hendon house is a property that’s attracted crime and hundreds of 911 calls over the years.
The series of events began around 1:30 p.m. when Portland police officers tried to stop what they believed to be a stolen tow truck, authorities told KOIN 6 News. The driver took off and other officers from the East Precinct Stolen Car Mission Team provided backup.
“When we tried to stop the car it eluded. In the process of eluding it attempted to strike a police officer on foot that was putting out spike strips,” PPB Lt. Norman Staples told KOIN 6 News.
Police crews in the air and on the ground were able to track the suspects.
“We had the airplane up, and we followed it to this location,” Staples said. “The occupants of this vehicle bailed from the car and ran into the location” on North Houghton Street — the Hendon house.
After a brief standoff, police said they were able to get inside the house and arrest both people.
“Both suspects have ties to this house, but as of right now it doesn’t appear that they live here,” Staples said.
KOIN 6 News spoke with several neighbors on Sunday, and all declined to go on-camera. But nearly all who spoke said they feel their neighborhood is being held hostage by the property and the ongoing criminal activity there.
The Hendon house was issued a “nuisance warning” in January, but police have not yet responded as to what has happened since that warning was issued.
Authorities also have not yet responded to questions about the officer who was allegedly nearly hit by the stolen tow truck.
KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.