PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The armed robbery of multiple people in the early morning hours of Sunday led to a pursuit and search in Portland’s Roseway neighborhood that ended with “multiple juveniles” in custody.
The robbery in the 5200 block of NE Alberta was first reported around 1:45 a.m., police said. The suspects reportedly took off in a vehicle that was spotted by responding officers a few minutes later.
About 5 minutes later several people jumped out of the car and ran when it stopped at NE 78th and Fremont, officials said. An 8-block perimeter was set up and backup officers from other precincts were called in to help.
Residents were asked to stay inside and lock their doors as roads were closed and the search was in progress.
“I came down to look and there were police cars everywhere,” one resident who asked not to be identified told KOIN 6 News. “The (suspect’s) car was actually parked right here, so they had fled from the car.”
SERT and K9s were also called to the area because the suspects were thought to be armed. Some of the suspects were detained by officers on the perimeter while others were found and detained by the SERT and K9 crews.
Authorities did not release how many youths were detained “but all are believed to be juveniles.”
Shortly before 6 a.m. streets in the area re-opened. No injuries were reported from any of the incidents, including the initial armed robberies.
The fact the suspects are all minors has residents even more concerned.
“I was kind of wondering where are the parents when all of these juveniles are out doing this?” the resident said. “It just is heartbreaking for me, and concerning for the whole city that this kind of thing is going on.”
Resident Craig Plummer said he’s no longer shocked by incidents like this but he hope more will be done to hold these youths accountable.
“We’ve personally been kind of bothered a couple of times walking around this neighborhood by some young kids, but it’s a little disappointing because I’ve lived here all my life and I’m just kind of disgusted with it all to be honest with you,” Plummer said. “It used to be called the City of Roses but I can’t say that.”
He said he wants these juveniles to face some kind of consequence for their alleged actions.
“Have the kids do community service,” he said. “I can drag them around and they can pick up garbage instead of just getting a slap on the wrist.”