Regional News Archives for 2019-03

Health Tech Accused Of Sexually Abusing Psychiatric Patient

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man and former mental health technician is accused of sexually abusing a patient at a psychiatric hospital near Beaverton.  The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 28-year-old Christopher Zeisler Tuesday for the incident at Cedar Hills Hospital in December.  Investigators say Zeisler was working the night shift at the hospital when he forcibly sexually abused a female patient in his care.
 

Man Arrested For Drive-By Shooting

(Vancouver, WA)  --  One man is behind bars in connection to a drive-by shooting in Longview, Washington.  Police arrested 42-year-old Daron T. Knight Wednesday night.  He's accused of firing several bullets into apartments from a car on 46th Avenue earlier that day.  No injuries were reported.

Bail Remains AT $9K For 'TriMet Barber'

(Portland, OR)  --  Bail is set to remain at nine-thousand dollars for a man known as the "TriMet Barber."  A judge ruled to keep Jared Walter's bail as is yesterday after state prosecutors requested bail be raised to 100-thousand dollars out of public safety concerns.  Walter is accused of cutting multiple women's hair on TriMet buses and touching one woman's thigh on the MAX on Monday.  He was previously convicted of engaging in lewd acts on TriMet buses.

CDC Monitoring Six Measles Outbreaks

(Washington, DC)  --  The Centers for Disease Control is monitoring southwest Washington's measles outbreak along with five other outbreaks across the country.  The CDC says just this year there have been more than 300 confirmed cases of measles in 15 states.  The outbreaks are in Rockland County, New York; New York City, Washington state, Texas, Illinois and California.  Those cases have been linked to travelers who brought the disease back from countries such as Israel and Ukraine.  The CDC says most people who get measles are unvaccinated.

Man Found Guilty Except For Insanity In Grandmother Assault

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing several years under psychiatric care after being found guilty except for insanity of violently assaulting his grandmother.  A jury returned that verdict yesterday against 28-year-old Matthew James Hegler.  He was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of fourth degree assault, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of menacing, and one count of attempted strangulation.  Police say he severely injured his grandmother in the domestic violence incident at her Portland home in June of 2017.

Police Seek Tigard Bank Robber

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for a man accused of robbing a bank at the Washington Square Mall in Tigard.  Officials say the man entered the Wells Fargo branch Wednesday afternoon and handed the teller a note saying he was armed.  He's described as a man in his 50s wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket and black glasses.

Man Killed In Vancouver Auto-Pedestrian Crash

(Vancouver, WA)  --  One man is dead following an auto-pedestrian crash on SR 500 in Vancouver.  Police say 27-year-old Veniamin Ponomarev was not using a crosswalk when he was hit while crossing the highway Wednesday night.  Police say the driver stayed at the scene and was not issued any citations.
 

Man Allegedly Threatens Barista With Stick While 'Going With Flow'

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly threatening a Dutch Brothers Coffee barista with a walking staff in Vancouver.  Police say 34-year-old Kristopher Shaffer was speaking angrily and unintelligibly Tuesday when he approached the barista on Southeast Mill Plain Boulevard with a walking stick raised above his head.  Shaffer allegedly told responding officers that he was "just going with the flow and letting it do its thing."  Police say he admitted to using meth a few days before the incident. 

Multnomah County Officials Out Amid Investigation

(Multnomah County, OR)  --  Two officials in Multnomah County's mental health division are out of a job amid an investigation into how they handled complaints of abuse.  Mental Health and Addiction Services Division Director David Hidalgo and Joan Rice were both placed on leave after an investigation found that two deaths at Unity Center for Behavioral Health were preventable.  County workers had received reports of serious abuse at the facility shortly after it opened in 2017, but those allegations may not have been handled properly.  The Oregonian reports that Hidalgo and Rice are both no longer employed by the county, though county leaders have not said whether they were fired.
 

Police Seek Missing Teen Girl

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police in Vancouver are searching for a missing teenage girl with autism.  The Vancouver Police Department says 15-year-old Pandora Jade Hertel walked away from her school yesterday and hasn't been seen since.  She's described as five-foot-three and 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a green print and green sweatpants.

Walgreens Will Sell CBD Products In Nearly 1,500 Stores

(Undated)  --  Walgreens is set to begin selling CBD products in Oregon and eight other states.  CNBC reported Wednesday that the nation's number-two pharmacy chain will sell creams, patches, and sprays containing the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis in nearly 15-hundred stores.  CBD products are becoming increasingly mainstream.  The products will be available at Walgreens stores in Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.  The nation's biggest pharmacy chain, CVS, began selling CBD topical products in seven states earlier this month. 

Judge Grants Mom's Request, Sentences Woman Who Pushed Daughter Off Bridge To Two Days

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A Washington state judge is granting a mother's request, sentencing the woman who admits to shoving her daughter off a 60-foot tall bridge to one day in jail for every day her child spent in the hospital.  Taylor Smith pled guilty last week to shoving Jordan Holgerson off the bridge at Moulton Falls Regional Park.  The moment was posted to social media and went viral.  Holgerson suffered five broken ribs and two punctured lungs from the fall.  She also dealt with emotional strife, including PTSD and insomnia.  The 19-year-old Smith was sentenced to two days in jail, plus 38 days of community service on a work crew.  It was a surprising sentence because Smith had agreed to a plea deal that would have had her serve no jail time, 30 days on a county work crew and 30 days of community service.

Woman Injured In Crash On Marine Drive

(Portland, OR)  --  One woman is seriously injured following a crash on Marine Drive.  Police say the woman collided with a semi truck yesterday at 122nd Avenue, sending both vehicles down an embankment.  The woman reportedly had to be extricated from her vehicle.  She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors say she's expected to survive.

Woman Critically Injured In Suspected DUII Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing a DUII charge following a crash that left a woman critically injured in Beaverton.  Police say the crash happened yesterday afternoon near Southwest Park Way and Butner Road along Highway 26.  The woman was rushed to a trauma unit.  The man was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Police Warn Parents After Man Approached Child

(Gresham, OR)  --  Police in Gresham are warning parents after a man allegedly approached a boy playing outside his family's home.  Police say the nine-year-old boy was playing in his driveway Tuesday night when the man approached him and tried to talk to him.  The boy reportedly ran inside his home to tell his parents.  The man was seen leaving the area in a black, box-shaped vehicle believed to be a Scion XB. 

Two Arrested On Arson Charges For Setting Structure On Fire In Coos Bay

(Coos Bay, OR)  --  Oregon State Police have arrested a couple on arson charges following a fire over the weekend in Coos Bay.  Trooper say 22-year-old Breanna Schuster and 26-year-old Andrew Eastep started the fire that destroyed the unoccupied home off State Highway 101 on Saturday.  Records show the suspects admitted to stealing several items from the property from the house, prior to setting it on fire as well.

Vancouver Protesters March Against Police Shootings

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Demonstrators in Vancouver are protesting police shootings following a series of deadly officer-involved shootings in the city this year.  Protesters held a march and rally yesterday at Esther Short Park.  Among the protesters were friends and family members of Carlos Hunter, whom police shot and killed earlier this month during a traffic stop.  The demonstration came one day after residents flocked to a Vancouver City Council meeting to call for the use of body cameras on officers.  Vancouver police have shot four people so far this year, and three of them have died.

Man Who Left Baby Buried In Woods Gets 20 Years

(Missoula, MT)  --  A Portland man who left a baby partially buried in the woods near Lolo Hot Springs in Montana is sentenced to 20 years in prison.  Thirty-three-year-old Frank Crowley was high on meth and bath salts when he wrecked his car in the woods with an infant inside.  He told police he left the baby outdoors because it was too heavy to carry out.  The baby was later rescued.  Crowley will be under probation for ten years after his release.

Rainier Police Chief's Accused Killer Sentenced Following Plea Deal

(Rainier, OR)  --  The man who killed Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter eight years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison after changing his plea to guilty.  Daniel Butts pleaded guilty by reason of insanity yesterday after psychiatrists diagnosed him with schizophrenia.  Butts shot and killed Chief Painter with his own gun, after the chief confronted him at a car stereo store.  The 29-year-old man can apply for parole after spending nearly 49 years in prison. 

Man Arrested For Drugs, Stolen Gun After Traffic Stop

(Portland, OR)  --  One man is facing charges after a traffic stop turned up drugs and a stolen gun.  Police in Oregon City pulled 19-year-old Austin McKinney over Monday night and found what they call a substantial amount of cocaine in his car, along with MDMA, Xanax and a stolen handgun.  He was booked into Clackamas County Jail on several charges.

Eastbank Esplanade To Reopen Friday

(Portland, OR)  --  The Eastbank Esplanade is set to reopen to the public this week following two months of repairs.  KATU reports the path along the east side of the Willamette River will reopen Friday afternoon.  Crews made repairs to the pathway and lights while removing graffiti and adding some new plants.

Suspects Caught On Video Trying To Get Into Locked Cars

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are looking for four suspects accused of trying to get into locked cars in a Happy Valley neighborhood.  Police say the suspects were caught on surveillance video peeking into car windows and trying to open several car doors near Southeast 152nd and Misty Drive last Thursday night.  Police have released the surveillance video and are asking anyone who recognizes the suspects to call them.

Hillsboro Called Tenth Best West Coast City For Raising Family

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Hillsboro is being called one of the top ten best cities to raise a family on the West Coast.  A new study from Smart Asset ranks West Coast cities on factors like crime rates, school test scores, childcare access and average income.  Hillsboro was ranked number ten.  The rest of the cities to make the top ten are all located in California. 

Safe Classes Bill Passes Oregon Senate

(Salem, OR)  --  A bill changing how teachers handle disruptive students is moving forward at the State Capitol after passing the Oregon Senate.  Senate Bill 963 would allow teachers to "physically assist" disruptive students to safety.  Under current state law, teachers can only touch a student if there is a "threat of imminent bodily injury to someone."  Teachers say the law has been interpreted to mean they can't touch students, no matter what.

Woman Killed In Apartment Fire

(Portland, OR)  --  One woman is dead following an apartment fire that investigators are calling suspicious.  Firefighters responded to the Bendemeer Court Apartments in Hillsboro last night.  KATU reports crews found an elderly woman dead inside her apartment.  It's not yet clear if she died from the fire or from other causes.  An investigation into her death and the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Feds Charge Celebrity Attorney Michael Avenatti In NYC For Alleged Extortion

(New York, NY)  --  Attorney Michael Avenatti is facing federal charges of trying to extort Beaverton-based Nike.  U.S. Attorney Geoff Berman said yesterday that Avenatti threatened to expose alleged information that would damage the company's reputation, unless he was paid upwards of 20-million-dollars. Prosecutors say he suggested Nike pay him to conduct an internal investigation, and that he'd remain quiet as to the truth of the matter.  It's not immediately clear what damaging information Avenatti planned to release.  Avenatti is also facing federal charges out of California for bank and wire fraud.

E-Scooters Returning To Portland Next Month

(Portland, OR)  --  Hundreds of e-scooters will return to Portland starting late next month.  The Portland Bureau of Transportation is putting the final touches on a year-long program that will bring 25-hundred scooters to the Rose City.  PBOT officials say they could have as many as nine-thousand scooters by January, if companies qualify for incentives.  Under the program, riders must wear helmets and could stiff face fines for riding on sidewalks or parking illegally.

Man Arrested For Child Porn

(Portland, OR)  --  A 50-year-old Seaside man is facing child porn charges.  Police arrested David Norman Stanley Hall Friday on charges of encouraging child sex abuse, using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, and possession of child pornography.  Police served a search warrant at his home after receiving a tip that he was downloading child pornography.

Today Marks One Year Since Discovery Of Hart Family SUV

(Portland, OR)  --  Today marks one year since the discovery of the wreckage of an embattled former Oregon family's SUV at the bottom of a coastal cliff in California.  A tourist called 9-1-1 a year ago today after spotting the Hart family's vehicle in Mendocino County.  Police say Jennifer Hart was drunk when she crashed the family's SUV off a cliff last March, killing her partner Sarah and at least five of their six adopted children.  Toxicology reports also showed a significant amount of Benadryl in the systems of Sarah Hart and two of the children.  Fifteen-year-old Devonte Hart remains missing, but investigators say they have reason to believe he was inside the SUV at the time of the crash.  Jennifer and Sarah Hart were being investigated for child abuse and neglect in Minnesota and Texas before they moved to Oregon and later Washington state. 

Massage Therapist Accused Of Inappropriate Touching

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A southwest Washington massage therapist is accused of inappropriately touching his clients.  Police in Battle Ground arrested 47-year-old Eddie Anzalone yesterday.  He's accused of assaulting two female clients at Opdahl Chiropractic and Massage last month.  He's charged with second-degree rape and indecent liberties.

Police Seek Suspect Who Broke Into Teriyaki Restaurant

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for a man accused of breaking into a teriyaki grill in Gladstone.  Police say the man broke into KB Teriyaki on Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard yesterday morning.  Responding officers arrived to see him fleeing the scene on foot.  Police are still searching for the suspect.

Inslee Stops In Portland On Climate Mission Tour

(Portland, OR)  --  Washington Governor Jay Inslee stopped in Portland over the weekend as part of his Climate Mission Tour.  The 2020 Democratic presidential candidate toured the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' training center Saturday.  Inslee commented that the electricians training there can look forward to a decades-long career building a new clean energy infrastructure for the U.S.  IBEW is considered a leader in training electricians to work in clean energy trades.

Masked Men Rob Restaurant At Gunpoint

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are looking for three suspects accused of robbing a Lake Oswego restaurant at gunpoint while wearing masks.  Police say cleaning crew members at the Stanford's restaurant called 9-1-1 following the robbery early yesterday morning.  Staff members tell police the three masked men locked the cleaning crew inside a room and then stole several items, including a safe.

Police Arrest Three On Drug Charges Following Alleged Drug Deal

(Portland, OR)  --  Three people are facing drug charges after a major drug deal went wrong at the Clackamas Town Center mall.  Portland police say officers responded to the mall Saturday night after learning of a large drug deal scheduled in the parking lot there.  Responding officers seized 116 grams of heroin along with 22 grams of meth, weapons and some cash.

OR Gets 'C+' For Lead In School Drinking Water

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is getting a passing grade on its work to remove lead from school drinking water.  That's according to a national report released last week by the advocate groups Environment America Research and Policy Center and the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.  Oregon received a C-plus for its efforts to protect students from lead-contaminated water.  The report grades 32 states on multiple factors, including whether the state requires schools to proactively remove lead from water systems rather than simply in response to water quality tests.  Other factors include public transparency on lead levels, testing protocols and the level of lead that would trigger a mandatory fix.  Nearly two-dozen states received a failing grade.  No state received higher than a B-plus.

Man Arrested After Car Chase, Hours-Long SWAT Standoff

(Portland, OR)  --  One man is facing charges following a car chase and hours-long standoff in Sweet Home.  Police say the chase began Friday night when officers responded to reports of an assault on Ironwood Street and the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle.  The suspect eventually stopped his vehicle but then allegedly got out with a firearm and refused to comply with officers.  Police called in a SWAT team, and the suspect eventually surrendered to officers around 5:30 Saturday morning.  No injuries were reported.  Police identify the suspect as 50-year-old Darrell Loren Schilling.

Rock Climber Falls, Hits Head At Lewis And Clark State Park

(Portland, OR)  --  A rock climber is recovering after falling more than two-dozen feet at Lewis and Clark State Park.  Police say the man was climbing at the park yesterday when he fell 25 feet and hit his head.  First responders say the man's injuries would likely be more severe if he hadn't been wearing a helmet.  The man is expected to recover.

Two Arrested After Police Pursuit, Crash In Stolen Car

(Portland, OR)  --  Two people are facing charges following a police pursuit in a stolen car.  Oregon State Police say troopers tried to pull the vehicle over on Highway 211 in Woodburn Saturday morning after determining it was stolen, but the driver took off.  The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into the Taylors Motorcycles shop on North Pacific Highway.  The driver allegedly briefly barricaded himself in the shop's back room but eventually surrendered, and police arrested him and his female passenger.

Former Teacher Gets Two Years For Sexual Abuse

(Portland, OR)  --  A former Tigard High School teacher is facing two years behind bars after pleading guilty to sexual abuse.  A judge sentenced Marcus Jolley to two years in prison followed by registration as a sex offender last week.  He pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two students in 2017.  Court records show Jolley had also been accused of inappropriate touching and kissing at the school as far back as 2006.

Police ID Elderly Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of an 85-year-old woman killed by a hit-and-run driver in southwest Portland.  Police say Ortrud Vatheuer was struck and killed Tuesday at Southwest 45th Avenue and Carson Street.  Police are still looking for the suspect driver.  The suspect was said to be driving a red or burgundy older model van.

DHS: 350,000+ Oregonians May Have Had Records Exposed In Data breach

(Salem, OR)  --  More than 350-thousand Oregonians may have had their private health information compromised following a data breach in the Department of Health Services.  DHS officials say the breach occurred in January after nine employees opened a phishing email and clicked on a link that compromised their email system.  Information at risk includes client names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and data protected under HIPPA.  An outside agency is now performing a forensic review, and will contact anyone whose information was exposed. 

Two Arrested After Bank Robbery, Gunfight With Police

(Portland, OR)  --  Two people are behind bars following a bank robbery and a shootout with police in Tillamook County.  Oregon State Police say the man and woman robbed the US Bank in Cloverdale yesterday morning and fled the scene in a vehicle.  Police pursued them down a Forest Service road off Sandlake Road, where the suspects allegedly struck a patrol vehicle and then opened fire on officers, who returned fire.  Both suspects were taken to a hospital for evaluation.  It's not yet clear if anyone was struck in the gunfire.

Man Arrested For Sexual Assault Of Six-Year-Old Boy

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a six-year-old boy at Pioneer Place Mall.  Portland police arrested 30-year-old Dontai Howe yesterday for the incident inside a bathroom at the mall on Sunday.  Police say Howe admitted to sexually assaulting the boy.  He's facing charges of first-degree sodomy and first-degree sex abuse.
 

Work Begins On New Footbridge Across Burnside

(Portland, OR)  --  Construction is underway on a new footbridge connecting Wildwood Trail across West Burnside Street.  Crews broke ground yesterday on the bridge to be named Barbara Walker Crossing.  The bridge will allow runners and walkers to cross Burnside Street safely.  The bridge is expected to be completed in September.

Man Faces 81 Charges After Allegedly Impregnating Young Relative

(Portland, OR)  --  A 31-year-old man is facing dozens of charges after allegedly impregnating a female relative who's younger than 15-years-old.  Cruz Palacios-Romero was indicted on 81 charges yesterday.  The charges include 40 counts of first degree rape, 39 counts of incest and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse.  He's currently being held on more than ten-million dollars bail.

Authorities Searching For Inmate Who Escaped From Transition Center In Salem

(Salem, OR)  --  Authorities in Salem are on the lookout for a female inmate who walked away from a transition center Wednesday.  Marion County Sheriff's deputies say 31-year-old Tristen Devore was scheduled for release today after serving a sentence for theft, burglary and fraudulent use of a credit card.  She is described as white, five-foot-six, weighing 160 pounds with long dark hair and blue eyes.
 

Student Arrested For Bringing Loaded Handgun To School

(Kelso, WA)  --  Police in southwestern Washington say they've arrested a 17-year-old after he allegedly brought a loaded handgun to school.  The Kelso Police Department says staff members at Kelso High School found the gun inside the student's backpack yesterday morning.  Police say they don't believe there's any further threat to students or staff.

Three Arrested For Verizon Store Robbery

(Portland, OR)  --  Three people are facing charges after allegedly robbing a Verizon store in West Linn.  Police say the suspects robbed the store on Willamette Drive Monday night and then fled the scene in a car.  Responding officers tracked them down in Lake Oswego and arrested them.

Brush Fire Forces Evacuation Of 100 Homes

(Longview, WA)  --  Roughly 100 people are out of their homes in southwestern Washington as firefighters battle a fast-moving brush fire.  The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office says the North Maple Fire near Kelso spread to over 40 acres last night.  Authorities have evacuated between 90 to 100 homes and have issued an emergency burn ban for Cowlitz County.

Police ID Burgerville Carjacking Suspect

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a man accused of a carjacking at a Burgerville drive-thru in southeast Portland.  Police say 25-year-old Robin Sanford Bay approached the victim's car in the drive-thru at the restaurant on Southeast 12th Avenue at Hawthorne Street Tuesday morning.  He then allegedly brandished a bottle and threatened to hurt the driver if he didn't give up his vehicle.  Police tracked Bay down in the stolen vehicle a short while later and arrested him.

Closing Arguments Continue In Rape Case Against Former Civic Leaders

(Portland, OR)  --  Closing arguments continue today in the sexual assault case against two former Portland civic leaders.  Prosecutors wrapped up their closing arguments yesterday against Aubré Dickson and Charles McGee.  They're accused of raping a woman in 2012.  Dickson is the former chair of Oregon's Housing Stability Council, and McGee served as CEO of Black Parent Initiative.  The defense will continue their closing arguments today.

Second Measles Case Confirmed In Salem

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon Health Authority has confirmed a second case of measles in Salem.  OHA officials say the patient is linked to a contagious traveler who visited the area from Illinois last month, and is unrelated to the recent outbreak in Washington.  OHA has not provided any details about the patient, other than the person does not attend Salem-Keizer Public School.  Marion County health officials are now working to find anyone else who may have been exposed to the virus by this latest patient.

New County Health Department Headquarters Opens In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  The new Multnomah County Health Department headquarters is now open in Portland.  County officials opened the Gladys McCoy Health Department headquarters across from Union Station at Northwest 6th Avenue and Hoyt Street yesterday morning.  The building is replacing the health department's old headquarters downtown.  The new facility took eight years to build.

Man Found Shot To Death In His Home

(Longview, WA)  --  A homicide investigation is underway in southwest Washington's Cowlitz County after a man was found shot in the head in his own home.  Police say 47-year-old Travis Seiber was found shot to death Monday night in his home on SR-506 north of Ryderwood.  Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact police.

Natural Gas Service To Be Restored By Friday In Ashland

(Ashland, OR)  --  Hundreds of people without natural gas in Ashland may have to wait until Friday to have their service returned.  Officials for Avista Utilities say workers have to manually relight meters for nearly 48-hundred customers who lost gas service Tuesday evening.  The utility provider has linked the outage to a problem that occurred while crews were performing a routine check within a pipeline. 

Woman Gets 3 Years Probation For Accidental Shooting At School

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman is facing three years' probation after accidentally firing a handgun inside a Portland school.  KATU reports Antoinette Riley was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of reckless endangering of another person.  Court records say Riley was in the cafeteria at Jason Lee Elementary School to pick up her child last October when a gun inside her purse went off.

Man Guilty Of Running Down Black Teen in 2016

(Portland, OR)  --  A man accused of running down a black teen in 2016 is guilty of murder.  In court yesterday, a jury also found 40-year-old Russell Courtier guilty of second-degree intimidation, which is a hate crime, and on a hit-and-run charge.  Courtier was fighting with 19-year-old Larnell Bruce outside a 7-Eleven in Gresham in August 2016.  Prosecutors said during trial that Courtier ran down Bruce with his car after losing the fight.  They added that it was racially motivated because Courtier was a member of a white supremacist group.  Courtier's girlfriend, 37-year-old Colleen Hunt, pled guilty to manslaughter as prosecutors say she could be heard egging Courtier on during the fight.

Firefighter Injured In Three-Alarm Brush Fire

(Longview, WA)  --  A firefighter is hospitalized following a three-alarm brush fire that forced evacuations and left dozens of people without power in southwestern Washington.  Cowlitz County Fire District says one firefighter was hospitalized for heat-related illness while battling the blaze that scorched six acres yesterday near Longview.  Deputies evacuated dozens of residents, and 40 people were left without power.  An investigation is ongoing into what sparked the blaze.

Police ID Motorcyclist Killed In Gresham

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a motorcyclist killed in a crash in Gresham.  Police say 19-year-old Daniel Hopic was riding his motorcycle north on Hogan Drive Saturday night when he collided with a southbound vehicle that was making a left turn.  Hopic was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Measles Case Confirmed In Clark County

(Seattle, WA)  --  Health officials are confirming a new case of the measles in southwestern Washington.  Clark County Public Health says they confirmed a new case this week, bringing the regional outbreak total to 78 cases.  Meanwhile, health officials in Marion County have confirmed a second case of measles in their area.  Officials say those two cases are not connected to the Clark County outbreak. 

Wildfire Response Council Meets

(Portland, OR)  --  State officials are looking into what tools and resources can be used to fight wildfires in the state.  Governor Kate Brown's Wildfire Response Council met Monday to start the discussions.  Brown is looking for more people, tools and technology.  According to the state fire marshal, the state spent more than 31-million-dollars last year on combating wildfires.
 

Former First Lady Michelle Obama Appears In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Former First Lady Michelle Obama was in Portland yesterday.  Thousands of people showed up at the Moda Center yesterday to hear Obama speak about her new book "Becoming."  The former First Lady later made a surprise appearance at a bookstore in northeast Portland, where she held a meet-and-greet with attendees.

Man Arrested After Two-Week Standoff At Roseburg Home

(Portland, OR)  --  A Roseburg man is behind bars following a two-week standoff at his home with his three-year-old daughter.  Police arrested 42-year-old Stephen Adam Cain Monday on charges of custodial interference and obstructing governmental administration.  The county's circuit court mandated Cain turn over his three-year-old daughter to law enforcement on March 4th.  But Cain refused, ultimately barricading himself inside his home and making threatening statements against officials.  After negotiating over the last two weeks, Cain agreed to surrender and release his daughter Monday evening.
 

Police Seek Hospital Purse Snatcher

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for a man accused of snatching purses from people inside hospitals in the Portland and Vancouver areas.  The Portland Police Bureau released a surveillance image of the suspect yesterday.  Police say they have evidence he's used credit cards inside the stolen purses to make purchases at stores in Portland, Happy Valley, Tigard and The Dalles.

New Bill Would Freeze College Tuition For Students Through 2021

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon lawmakers could give college students a break for the next few years, and put a temporary freeze on tuition costs at state universities and colleges.  Under House Bill 3381, administrators at those institutions would be prohibited from increasing tuition through spring 2021.  Supporters of the bill say the idea could help keep costs flat for incoming students, forcing them to take out less money for student loans. 

Washington Teen Pleads Guilty To Pushing Friend Off Bridge

(Vancouver, WA)  --  The Washington woman who pushed her friend off a 60-foot bridge is pleading guilty.  Taylor Smith changed her not guilty plea yesterday on a charge of misdemeanor reckless endangerment.  Cell phone video taken last August shows Smith, who is 19, pushing 16-year-old Jordan Holgerson off a bridge in southwestern Washington.  Holgerson suffered serious injuries, including six broken ribs and a punctured lung.  Smith said she pushed her friend to help her get over her fear of jumping off the bridge.  Prosecutors have recommended no jail time for Smith.  She'll be sentenced on March 27th.

Coroner's Inquest Scheduled For Hart Family

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A coroner's inquest is scheduled next month in the case of a former Oregon family who died after crashing off a cliff in California.  The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office says the inquest beginning April 3rd will determine the manner of death for each member of the Hart family.  Police say Jennifer Hart was drunk when she crashed the family's SUV off a cliff last March, killing her partner Sarah and at least five of their six adopted children.  Toxicology reports also showed a significant amount of Benadryl in the systems of Sarah Hart and two of the children.  Fifteen-year-old Devonte Hart remains missing, but investigators say they have reason to believe he was inside the SUV at the time of the crash.  Jennifer and Sarah Hart were being investigated for child abuse and neglect in Minnesota and Texas before they moved to Oregon and later Washington state.

House Fire Sends Three To Hospital

(Portland, OR)  --  Three people are hospitalized following a house fire in southeast Portland.  Firefighters responded to the home near Southeast Fern Street and 62nd Avenue yesterday morning to find two people still inside the burning home.  They were taken to a hospital along with a neighbor who suffered some smoke inhalation.  Fire officials say the house is significantly damaged.  An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

Police ID Man Shot, Killed While Driving On I-5

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a man who was shot to death while driving on I-5 in Douglas County.  Oregon State Troopers say 53-year-old Edward Lanier of Myrtle Creek was driving down the highway near Roseburg Sunday when a man driving another car fired at him.  Witnesses described the suspect as a man in his 30s wearing a red baseball cap, driving some sort of silver car with no license plate.

Woman Rescued From Multnomah Falls After Injuring Ankle

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman is recovering after being rescued from Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the woman called for help after injuring her ankle on the trail yesterday.  Police are reminding the public that despite the warming weather, there are still patches of icy ground on parts of the trail.

Initiative Could Expand State Pot Laws

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon voters may get the chance in November 2020 to make major changes to the state's marijuana law.  An initiative petition submitted to the Secretary of State's office today would pave the way for cafes where users could use cannabis indoors.  The changes could also put new protections in place for workers who use pot while off the job.  That would make it so those employees could not be fired for using marijuana, so long as it does not impact their performance or violate a collective bargaining agreement.

Crews Continue Work On Broken Water Main

(Portland, OR)  --  Work continues this morning on a broken water main that sent millions of gallons of water bursting into Portland city streets over the weekend.  The Portland Water Bureau says the pipe that broke Saturday in the Alberta neighborhood was more than 100 years old.  The break left more than 12-thousand Pacific Power customers without electricity or gas Saturday.  The Portland Water Bureau says crews installed a new valve yesterday and are now working to replace a section of badly damaged pipe.

Elderly Man Accused Of Shooting At Neighbor Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  Police in The Dalles say they shot and killed a 77-year-old man after he allegedly fired a rifle at his neighbor's home.  Police responded to the 19-hundred-block of East 10th Street Saturday night on reports that James Young was firing off rounds from his porch.  A responding officer ended up shooting Young, who later died from his injuries.  The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave per standard procedure.

Suspect Shoots, Kills Man While Driving On I-5

(Roseburg, OR)  --  Police are searching for a man accused of shooting and killing another man on I-5 in Douglas County.  Police say both men were driving near milepost 124 yesterday when the suspect opened fire on the victim, who later died at a local hospital.  Police say the suspect was driving a silver sedan with no license plate.  Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Motorcyclist Killed In Gresham Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A motorcyclist is dead following a crash in Gresham.  Police say the motorcyclist was riding north on Hogan Drive near Division Street late Saturday night when they collided with an oncoming car that was making a left turn.  The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police say the other driver stayed at the scene.

Helicopter Crashes Near Newberg

(Portland, OR)  --  No injuries are reported following a helicopter crash near Newberg.  Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue says the chopper went down yesterday afternoon in a field along College Street.  It's not yet clear how many people were onboard or what caused the helicopter to crash.  An investigation is ongoing.

Fire Damages House In North Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  No injuries are reported following a fire that badly damaged a home in north Portland.  Firefighters responded to the house on North Boston Avenue Saturday afternoon to find flames shooting out of the structure.  Authorities say two people were home at the time of the fire, and both were able to escape safely.  An investigation into what sparked the blaze is ongoing.
 

Police Find Ten Pounds Of Drugs During Traffic Stop

(Portland, OR)  --  Two people are facing possible charges after a traffic stop yielded more than ten pounds of drugs and two guns in southeast Portland.  Police say an officer made the discovery inside a car after pulling it over yesterday afternoon at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Harney Road.  Police say the officer found eight pounds of meth along with two pounds of heroin, some steroids and two firearms.  Police took two people into custody.  An investigation is ongoing.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Cop Car

(Salem, OR)  --  A suspect is behind bars after allegedly stealing a police car in Salem.  Police arrested Jessie Guajardo over the weekend following a pursuit and standoff.  Police say Guajardo had felony warrants out for his arrest when officers spotted him near Commercial and Hoyt.  He allegedly took off on foot and looped back around to the officers' patrol car, stealing it and later ditching it on 23rd Street Southeast before barricading himself inside a nearby home.  A SWAT team was called out, and police say he surrendered within minutes and was arrested.

Piano Teacher Arrested For Sexual Abuse Accused Of Violating Release Agreement

(Portland, OR)  --  A Washington County piano teacher accused of sexually abusing an underage student is back behind bars after allegedly violating his release agreement.  Police arrested 29-year-old Christopher Griffin of Sherwood again Tuesday after receiving a report that he emailed the victim's mother just hours after his release from jail over the weekend.  Police initially arrested Griffin Saturday on charges of sex abuse, unlawful penetration and sodomy.  He's accused of having "several encounters" with the victim while teaching piano at Let's Make Music and Dance in Sherwood.

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash In Boring

(Portland, OR)  --  A motorcyclist is dead following a crash in Boring.  The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says the motorcyclist was riding west on Highway 26 yesterday afternoon when an SUV turned onto the highway from Southeast Stone and collided with him.  The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police say the driver of the SUV stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Police Investigate SE Portland Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is underway into a shooting in southeast Portland.  Police say the shooting happened early yesterday morning on Southeast Carlton Street.  No injuries have been reported.

Providence To Begin Heart Transplant Program Thanks To Donation From Phil Knight

(Portland, OR)  --  Providence Health and Services will begin work to create a heart transplant program thanks to a generous donation from Phil Knight and his wife, Penny.  The Nike co-founder has given 75-million dollars to the hospital network for the endeavor.  The money will also be used to help reactivate the heart transplant program at Oregon Health and Science University.  The Knights previously donated 25-million dollars to Providence in 2014 as part of a 50-million-dollar fundraising campaign. 

Police Seek Help In 2015 Missing Person Case

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are asking the public for help in their investigation of a 2015 missing person case.  The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says Tiffany Bettis AKA Melinda Smith went missing in March of 2015.  She was last seen at the Quality Inn in Gresham.  Police say she left behind three children, and family members tell investigators they don't believe she would have left them behind willingly.  Anyone with information on her disappearance is urged to contact police.

Police Seek Help Finding Missing Man

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are seeking help from the public in their search for a missing Milwaukie man.  Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies say 27-year-old Axl Stephen Kolbe has been missing for ten days.  He was last seen riding a TriMet bus in Clackamas County.  Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

One Killed In Head-On Crash Near Harrisburg

(Linn County, OR)  --  One woman is dead following a head-on crash in Linn County.  Deputies say 55-year-old Kelly Flower of Foster swerved into oncoming traffic on Peoria Road near Harrisburg yesterday, colliding with a second car.  Flower was pronounced dead on scene, but the other driver was sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Investigators don't know what caused Flower to veer into the other lane. 

Testing Completed On Backlog Of Rape Kits

(Portland, OR)  --  Testing is now complete on Oregon's backlog of rape kits.  KATU reports the state has completed testing on the nearly three-thousand untested kits.  The testing was completed with funding help from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which offered its aid in 2015.  The state has since passed a law requiring prompt testing of rape kits in honor of 14-year-old Melissa Bittler, who was killed by a rapist in 2002.

Bicyclist Injured In Crash Involving Racing Cars

(Portland, OR)  --  A bicyclist is injured after being struck by a car in Gresham.  Witnesses tell police it appears two cars were racing on West Powell Boulevard yesterday afternoon when one of them hit the bicyclist.  The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries but is expected to survive.  Police say the driver accused of hitting the bicyclist stayed at the scene, but the other car sped off.

Bail Set At $14M For Accused Sexual Abuser

(Portland, OR)  --  Bail is set at 14-million dollars for a man facing dozens of sexual assault charges involving a young girl.  Police arrested 45-year-old Jason McConnell yesterday in Gresham on 56 counts of first-degree sexual assault.  He's accused of abusing a ten-year-old girl for four years.

Sexual Assault Trial Begins Against Former Civic Leaders

(Portland, OR)  --  Trial is underway for a pair of former Portland civic leaders accused of sexual assault.  Testimony began yesterday in the trial against Aubre Dickson and Charles McGee.  They're accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2012.  That woman took the stand yesterday to recount the alleged assault in graphic detail.  Dickson previously chaired Oregon's Housing Stability Council, and McGee is the former CEO of the Black Parent Initiative.  Trial is expected to resume this afternoon.

Man Arrested For Child Porn, Claims There Were No Victims

(Portland, OR)  --  Bail is set at 400-thousand dollars for a Portland man accused of uploading hundreds of child pornography files to the Internet.  Police arrested 26-year-old John Pelan Tuesday on 20 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse and five counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse.  Police say Pelan uploaded hundreds of images and videos showing young children being sexually assaulted.  The district attorney's office says Pelan admitted to the crimes but said, quote, "there were no real victims. It was only photographs."

New Measles Case Confirmed In Clark County

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Health officials are confirming yet another case of the measles in southwestern Washington.  Clark County Public Health says they confirmed a new case yesterday, bringing the county's total to 72 confirmed cases.  Another four confirmed cases in Multnomah County and one confirmed case in Washington's King County bring the regional outbreak total to 77 cases.

Woman Found Dead On Side Of Road In Columbia County

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into the discovery of a woman's body along a rural road in Columbia County.  Sheriff's deputies say the woman was found dead yesterday on the side of Neer City Road near Nick Thomas Road.  Police have identified the woman as a Rainier resident.  Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Man Sentenced To 13 Years For Kidnapping, Sexual Assault (Portland, OR) --

A man is facing more than a dozen years behind bars after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman before accidentally shooting her in southeast Portland.  A judge sentenced 44-year-old Anthony Stone to 13 years in prison and nine months in prison yesterday after he pleaded guilty to the charges.  Court records say he kidnapped a woman at gunpoint in 2016 and assaulted her before accidentally shooting her and then leaving. 

Protesters Call On ODOT To Enact 'Vision Zero' Plan

(Portland, OR)  --  Protesters are calling on the Oregon Department of Transportation to adopt a "Vision Zero" plan to eliminate traffic fatalities.  Demonstrators staged a "die-in" yesterday in front of the ODOT's Portland offices to draw attention to the four-thousand-678 people killed last year on Oregon's roadways.  Protesters lied on the ground with chalk outlines around their bodies and also rang a bell once for each victim.  The Portland Bureau of Transportation has adopted a Vision Zero plan with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities completely, but ODOT has yet to follow suit.

Portland-To-Seattle Flight Turns Around Due To Propeller Issue

(Seattle, WA)  --  Some Alaska Airlines passengers are recovering from a scare after a Portland-to-Seattle flight was forced to turn around due to a propeller issue.  KOMO News in Seattle reports Flight 2228 turned around shortly after takeoff yesterday morning after the pilots learned of an issue with one of the propellers' speed control.  The crew was forced to shut down one of the plane's engines and return to Portland.  The plane landed safely back in Portland less than an hour after takeoff.

Patriot Prayer, Proud Boys Member Indicted For Assault

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A member of the Vancouver-based alt-right group Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys is facing an assault charge.  The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office says Tusitala "Tiny" Toese was named in a secret indictment for an assault last June, along with fellow Proud Boy Donovan Flippo.  Police have arrested Flippo, who's scheduled to be arraigned today on charges of third-degree assault and fourth-degree assault.

Man Arrested For Robberies, Flare Gun Attack Against Woman

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly shooting a woman in the chest with a flare gun.  Police arrested William Davis Monday for the assault they say capped a violent robbery spree that started late last month.  Police say Davis tried to rob his victim last Friday, but she told him she had nothing for him to take.  She then talked with him for about ten minutes before trying to leave, prompting Davis to allegedly pull out the flare gun and shoot her in the chest.  She survived with injuries.  Police say Davis also threatened to kill a convenience store cashier after she confronted him about shoplifting a couple muffins.  He's also accused of shoplifting several items from a Walmart store and threatening violence against security when they confronted him.

Several Students, Driver Injured After School Bus Crash In Sandy

(Sandy, OR)  --  Nearly a dozen people are injured following a crash involving a school bus in Sandy.  State Police say the bus collided with two SUVs just before noon yesterday on Highway 26 near Southwest Orient Drive.  Officials from the David Douglas School District say the bus was carrying students from Alice Ott Middle School returning from a band concert.  Ten people were hospitalized.  Troopers are asking anyone who saw the crash happen to call them. 

Report: OR Home To Some Of Country's Most Dangerous Big Cities

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is home to some of the most dangerous big cities in America.  That's according to a new report by Alarms.org ranking the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.  Portland ranked ninth among the most dangerous large cities.  Gresham ranked 30th, and Salem ranked 41st.  Eugene ranked 58th.  Alarms.org compiled the list by analyzing data reported by police departments and other law enforcement agencies across the country.

New Measles Case Confirmed In Clark County

(Seattle, WA)  --  Health officials are confirming a new case of the measles in southwestern Washington.  Clark County Public Health says they confirmed a new case yesterday, bringing the county's total to 71 confirmed cases.  The health agency is also looking into three more suspected cases.  Meanwhile, health officials in Marion County confirmed one case of measles yesterday and are currently investigating another suspected case.  Officials say that case is not connected to the Clark County outbreak.

Man Found Unresponsive In SE Portland Dies

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say a 25-year-old man who was found injured and unconscious in southeast Portland earlier this year has died from his injuries.  The Portland Police Bureau tells The Oregonian Cody Denney died in a hospital, where he had been in a medically-induced coma.  Denney was found lying unresponsive on the ground near Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Knapp Street on January 25th.  Investigators are still trying to figure out what happened to him.  Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

Piano Teacher Arrested For Sexual Abuse

(Portland, OR)  --  A piano teacher in Washington County is accused of sexually abusing an underage student.  Police arrested 29-year-old Christopher Griffin of Sherwood on charges of sex abuse, unlawful penetration and sodomy.  Police say Griffin had "several encounters" with the victim while teaching piano at Let's Make Music and Dance in Sherwood.  Police believe he may have had more victims. 

Police Arrest Man Accused Of Setting More Than 20 Fires

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a man accused of setting more than 20 fires downtown over the weekend.  The Portland Police Bureau says they arrested Jack Vandorin Young Sunday night on two counts of first-degree arson.  Police believe he set more than 20 fires Friday through Sunday, including one in an elevator on 10th and Broadway. 

Two More Burgerville Locations Looking To Unionize

(Portland, OR)  --  A couple more Burgerville restaurants are considering moves to unionize.  Willamette Week reports the Burgerville locations in Montavilla and the Convention Center are planning to file for union elections.  If approved, the restaurants would join three other Portland-area Burgerville locations that have chosen to unionize.  The Burgerville location at Powell and 92nd became the first location to unionize last April.

Skier Rescued From Remote OR Trail Dies In Hospital

(Portland, OR)  --  A 69-year-old Wisconsin man who was rescued from subzero temperatures while cross-country skiing in Oregon has died.  The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office says Ted Gifford died late last week in a Bend hospital.  Deputies rescued Gifford and fellow skier Robert Skille from the remote Metolius Windigo Trail last Thursday after receiving a 9-1-1 call from the two.

Woman Stabbed By Stranger In NE Portland, Critically Injured

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a stabbing that left one woman fighting for her life in northeast Portland.  The Portland Police Bureau says the woman was walking home from a friend's house on Northeast 78th Avenue near Northeast Klickitat Street Sunday night when a stranger stabbed her.  Residents in the area heard her screaming and rushed to help the woman, who is now hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.  Police are still looking for a suspect.

Pfizer Agrees To Settlement With Oregon Over False Advertising Claims

(Salem, OR)  --  Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has agreed to a settlement with the State of Oregon over accusations involving deceptive advising practices.  Attorney General Ellen Rosenbaum announced a 975-thousand-dollar agreement yesterday.  The payout comes after Pfizer distributed misleading coupons that stated customers would only pay a certain amount for four drugs offered by the company.  An investigation by the state found more than 300 Oregonians paid a combined 40-thousand dollars more than what Pfizer had advertised.

Clark County Closes Measles Call Center, Ends Daily Updates

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Health officials in southwestern Washington are winding down their work on a recent measles outbreak.  Clark County Public Health announced yesterday they plan to stop issuing daily updates on the outbreak.  Officials say they'll also be closing down their measles call center.  The health department says they'll update the public if any new measles cases are confirmed.

School Bus Driver, Student Hospitalized Following Crash

(Elmira, OR)  --  A school bus driver and student are recovering in the hospital following a crash in Elmira.  Police say the bus was carrying members of the Elmira High School baseball team when the driver lost control near Territorial Highway and Demming Road yesterday morning.  The bus then drove through a fence and into a tree.  Police are still working to figure out what caused the crash.
 

Two Arrested In NE Portland Drive-By Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  Two people are facing attempted murder charges following a drive-by shooting in northeast Portland.  Police arrested 23-year-old Raul Marquez and 20-year-old Cheyenne Trujillo for the shooting just after midnight yesterday on Northeast Killingsworth Street.  Police say a group of six people were standing outside when someone opened fire on them from inside a passing car.  Responding officers pulled over Marquez and Trujillo nearby based on witness descriptions of the suspect vehicle.  Police say they found a handgun inside the car.

Childhood Case Of Tetanus Recorded In Unvaccinated Oregon Boy

(Undated)  --  The Centers for Disease Control says a six-year-old boy from Oregon was treated for the state's first case of childhood tetanus in 30 years.  The boy was unvaccinated in 2017 when he got a cut on his forehead while playing on his family farm.  The wound was stitched up at home, but six days later he started having muscle spasms and clenching his jaw.  He required about eight weeks of inpatient care, including almost 50 days in the intensive care unit.  The hospital bill for the boy's care soared over 800-thousand-dollars.  Despite the near death experience, the boy's family declined to get him vaccinated afterward. 

Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Someone With Replica Gun

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly threatening someone with a realistic-looking replica firearm inside the Lloyd Center.  The Portland Police Bureau says the mall went into lockdown Saturday afternoon after 22-year-old Garrett Gibson pointed a replica air pistol at someone.  Police say Gibson cooperated with responding officers and was taken into custody.  No injuries were reported.

Man Killed In Auto-Pedestrian Crash In Cornelius

(Portland, OR)  --  A 59-year-old man is dead after being struck by a car in Cornelius.  Police say the man was walking across Tualatin Valley Highway near Northwest 338th Avenue Saturday night when a driver crashed into him.  Police believe the driver may have been impaired.  An investigation is ongoing.

Man Shot In Gresham; Police Seek Suspect

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a shooting in Gresham.  Police say a man was shot in the leg near East Burnside and 193rd Avenue Saturday night.  The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.  It's not yet clear what led to the shooting.

Police Trying To ID Suspect Found Dead In Burning Stolen Car

(Portland, OR)  --  Police in Douglas County are working to identify a man who was killed in a vehicle fire following a shootout with police.  The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says deputies tried to pull the man over at the Love's truck stop along I-5 at Highway 99 Saturday night after finding him in the stolen car.  The vehicle had been reported stolen late last week and was said to contain a semi-automatic rifle along with multiple other weapons and ammunition.  Police say the suspect took off, leading to a pursuit that ended when the vehicle became stuck in a field.  Police say that's when the suspect started firing at deputies, prompting them to return fire.  At some point, the vehicle caught fire, and police later found human remains inside the burned vehicle.
 

Bridgeport Brewing Closes

(Portland, OR)  --  Bridgeport Brewing is closing its doors after 35 years in the Pearl District.  KATU reports the brewery served its final pints yesterday.  The brewery says they're closing due to declining sales and steep competition.
 

WA House Passes Bill Limiting Measles Exemptions

(Seattle, WA)  --  Washington state lawmakers are moving forward with a bill limiting non-medical exemptions to the measles vaccine.  The Washington House voted 57 to 70 earlier this week in favor of HB 1638.  The bill now moves to the state Senate.  HB 1638 would put an end to personal or philosophical exemptions from measles vaccination for school-age children.  A measles outbreak in southwestern Washington state has sickened more than 70 people in that state and at least four people in Multnomah County since the start of the year.

Teen Stabbed Near Portland High School

(Portland, OR)  --  A teenager is hospitalized after being stabbed near his high school.  The Portland Police Bureau says the 18-year-old boy was stabbed yesterday near Franklin High School.  He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.  An investigation is ongoing.

Man Rescued From Burning Apartment Building

(Portland, OR)  --  One man is lucky to be alive after being rescued from an apartment fire in northwest Portland.  Firefighters responded to the apartment building on Northwest Glisan and Fourth last night for a blaze that started on the third floor.  Crews rescued one man from the building and took him to a hospital.  Another person inside the building was also hospitalized for smoke inhalation.  It's not yet clear what sparked the fire.

Man Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A drug suspect is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Hazel Dell, Washington.  The Vancouver Police Department says officers pulled the man over just outside of city limits yesterday after recognizing him as a gang member involved in a drug trafficking case.  Police say the man had a handgun and was uncooperative with officers, leading them to shoot him, killing him.

State Ethics Commission Rejects Settlement With Former First Lady

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon Ethics Commission has unanimously rejected a proposed settlement with former Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes.  Back in January, Hayes agreed to pay a 44-thousand-dollar fine for multiple violations of ethics laws after investigators found she used her access to former Governor John Kitzhaber to land consulting work.  The vote from the Commission sends all sides back to the drawing board to find a new arrangement.

One Hospitalized After SUV Strikes State Police Car

(Junction City, OR)  --  Oregon State Police say icy roads are responsible for a crash yesterday morning between an SUV and one of their patrol cars.  Troopers say the SUV hit the patrol car off Territorial Highway near High Pass before flipping over into a nearby ditch.  While the trooper tried to assist the driver, another car nearly struck him.  The condition of the driver that hit the trooper's car is unknown. 

Convicted Child Rapist Sentenced To 50 Years

(Portland, OR)  --  A convicted child rapist is facing five decades behind bars.  A judge sentenced 41-year-old Jose David Satey-Sanchez of Hillsboro earlier this week to 50 years in prison.  He was convicted on 13 counts of sexual abuse related charges for the ongoing abuse and rape of girl starting when she was just nine-years-old.  Satey-Sanchez lived in the same home as the girl and her mother, who allegedly refused to kick him out after learning of the abuse.

Man Allegedly Stabs Cop In Hand During Incident Involving Hatchet

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing possible charges after allegedly stabbing a police officer in the hand during an incident near a southeast Portland school.  Police responded to an area near Hosford Middle School yesterday afternoon on reports of an agitated man yelling and taking his clothes off while holding a hatchet.  Responding officers say the man charged at them and stabbed a police sergeant in the hand before officers were able to arrest him.  The injured sergeant was treated and has since been released.  The suspect was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
 

Substitute Teacher Banned From District After Racist Comments To Student

(Salem, OR)  --  A Salem substitute teacher is banned from her school district after making racist comments to a student.  KATU reports the unidentified teacher told a Swegle Elementary fifth-grader that he should "go back to Mexico" if he didn't want to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  A spokesperson for the Salem-Keizer school district says the teacher has been barred from teaching in their schools.

Police ID Victim Of Deadly Mobile Home Fire

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a man killed in a mobile home fire in Keizer.  The Keizer Police Department says 62-year-old Mate Mezei died in the fire Sunday in the Rainbow Gardens Mobile Village.  His 59-year-old wife Maria Mezei was seriously injured and their neighbor Dan Garcher was also injured.  An investigation into what caused the blaze is ongoing.

Legislature Agrees To Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon lawmakers have agreed to settle a lawsuit brought forward by eight women who were sexually harassed at the Capitol.  As part of the one-million-dollar settlement, the Legislature does not need to accept fault in how they handled the claims.  An independent investigation into the accusations released earlier this year found that legislative leaders created a hostile workplace by allowing verbal and physical harassment to continue.

Child Hospitalized After Man Steals Ambulance, Crashes

(Portland, OR)  --  A child is hospitalized following a three-car crash that happened after a man stole an ambulance in southeast Portland.  Police say officers responded to the area of Southeast 151st and Stark Street yesterday afternoon on reports of a man standing in the middle of traffic and yelling.  Responding officers convinced the man to board an ambulance to go to a hospital for an evaluation, but police say he then took control of the ambulance and sped off, causing a three-car crash at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Washington Street.  One child was hospitalized for injuries.  Police say the suspect surrendered quickly after the crash and was arrested.

New Pedestrian, Bike Overpass Going Up In SE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  The city of Portland is moving forward with a new pedestrian and bike overpass.  TriMet says the new overpass will go up over the MAX and train lines going from Southeast Gideon at 13th to Southeast 14th in southeast Portland.  Construction is expected to cost about 15-million dollars.  Groundbreaking is set for this spring.

Memorial Service Set For Former Secretary Of State Paulus

(Portland, OR)  --  A public memorial service is scheduled for next month for the late former Oregon Secretary of State Norma Paulus.  The service is set for April 27th at Willamette University in Salem.  Paulus died last week at the age of 85.  She was the first woman to ever be elected to state office in Oregon.

Oregon Wolves Could Lose Endangered Status

(Undated)  --  Wolves in Western Oregon may soon lose their protection under federal law.  Officials for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan to propose the removal of all gray wolves in the Lower 48 states under the Endangered Species Act.  Doing so would place the animals under protections found in state law.  Statewide, Oregon's wolf population is just above 120 animals.

Charges Upgraded To Murder In Valentine's Day Death

(Portland, OR)  --  A Gresham woman is charged with murder for the Valentine's Day death of a man inside her home.  KATU reports 23-year-old Schwanna Waters was arraigned yesterday on two counts of murder with a firearm for the death of John Romanger.  Police originally arrested Waters on a charge of manslaughter.  Waters told police that Romanger was robbing her home when she shot him, but police say they've since determined he wasn't committing any crimes when he was shot.

Man Gets Probation For Sexually Abusing Toddler

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing just five years' probation with credit for time served after sexually abusing a three-year-old girl.  A judge sentenced John Gilbreath Monday on one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration for the abuse at Partridge House daycare in Beaverton, where he worked.  Prosecutors say Gilbreath was facing a 25-year prison sentence for the crime under Oregon's "Jessica's Law."  However, the court determined that there wasn't enough evidence the prove Gilbreath's actions were committed with a sexual intent.
 

Forest Service Warns Hikers Of Slippery Gorge Trails

(Portland, OR)  --  Forest service officials are warning hikers about slippery trail conditions in the Columbia River Gorge.  The Columbia River Gorge Forest Service issued the warning yesterday, saying there's still snow and ice covering the trails.  The U.S. Forest Service is urging hikers to wear traction boots or snowshoes and to be prepared with extra layers, food and water in case of an emergency.

Investigation Continues Into SW Portland Water Main Break

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a water main break that led to a mudslide that threatened an apartment complex in southwest Portland.  The Portland Water Bureau says they're still looking into what caused Sunday night's break on Southwest Barbur Boulevard.  The subsequent flooding destabilized a hillside and sent mud and debris flowing toward a nearby apartment.  Crews restored water to the area yesterday afternoon.

Boy Rescued From Burning Home

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A young child is lucky to be alive after being rescued from a burning house in Vancouver.  It happened early this morning on Northeast 91st Street in the Five Corners area.  Police say someone broke a window to rescue the boy after calling 9-1-1 to report the fire.  Further details were not immediately available.

New Legislation Could Kill Death Penalty In Oregon

(Salem, OR)  --  A new proposal in the State Capitol may effectively end the death penalty in Oregon.  Under House Bill 3268, the charge of aggravated murder would be limited to crimes where two people or more are killed in a terror attack.  Inmates convicted of aggravated murder under the current law would instead be given a life sentence and a new conviction of first-degree murder.  A moratorium on the death penalty has been in place in Oregon since 2011.  Thirty people currently sit on death row.

Missing, Dangerous Psychiatric Patient Back In Custody

(Portland, OR)  --  A missing and dangerous psychiatric patient is back in custody.  The state Psychiatric Security Review Board says 50-year-old Brian Campbell turned himself in yesterday in downtown Portland.  Authorities were searching for him after he unexpectedly left his treatment facility in southeast Portland Monday morning.  The board says Campbell is currently on conditional release.

Apartment Complex Threatened By Mudslide

(Portland, OR)  --  Cleanup is getting underway this morning on a mudslide threatening an apartment complex in southwest Portland.  KATU reports the mudslide started yesterday after a water main broke, flooding the area.  The flood destabilized a hillside and sent mud and debris flowing toward the apartment.  Crews are getting to work on a fix this morning.

Police Warn Of Card Skimming Frauds In Vancouver

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police in Vancouver are warning residents about a series of debit card frauds connected to ATM card skimmers.  The Vancouver Police Department says thieves have been taking money out of their victims' accounts after obtaining their data through card skimmers placed on ATMs.  Police say they don't have the exact locations yet of where the card skimmers popped up but that they were most likely placed at gas stations and bank ATMs.  Police are urging people to monitor their accounts and to check for any evidence of tampering before swiping a card at a gas pump or ATM.

Man Arrested For Hit-And-Run Crash Into Boat, Van

(Portland, OR)  --  A Milwaukie man is facing hit-and-run charges after allegedly crashing into a boat and a van in a driveway in Clackamas County.  Police say Robert Binder crashed into the vehicles Sunday night while going about 40 miles per hour.  He then allegedly drove home to ditch his damaged car and took a separate vehicle to a nearby bar.  Police found him there and arrested him.

Man Arrested For Armed Walgreens Robbery

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly robbing a Walgreens store at gunpoint in northeast Portland.  Police arrested 37-year-old Nikolaus Heifner for the incident yesterday at the Walgreens on Northeast Glisan Street.  Police say he entered the store with a gun and stole several medications.  No injuries were reported.

Oregon To Lead Lawsuit In Over Abortion Rule

(Salem, OR)  --  The state of Oregon will lead the charge in a national lawsuit against a new rule from the Trump administration involving abortions.  The so-called "gag rule" prevents family planning clinics funded through Title Ten from referring patients for the procedure.  Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum argues that same funding is used to provide numerous other health-related services that don't involve abortions, including access to contraception, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and STI testing.  Twenty-one state attorneys general have joined in the lawsuit with Oregon.

Springfield Man Charged With Murder Of Infant Boy

(Springfield, OR)  --  A Springfield man has been charged with murder in the death of an infant boy last month.  Lane County prosecutors say 21-year-old Louis Pocza was responsible for watching the child.  Court documents say Pocza assaulted the victim, causing injuries that led to his death.  Police have not said how or why the suspect allegedly killed the boy.

Psychiatric Security Review Board Seeks Missing, Dangerous Man

(Portland, OR)  --  The state Psychiatric Security Review Board is looking for a missing inmate they say is considered dangerous.  Authorities say 50-year-old Brian Campbell unexpectedly left his treatment facility in southeast Portland yesterday morning.  The board says Campbell is currently on conditional release.  He's described as five-feet-nine-inches and 190 pounds with brown, shoulder-length hair, hazel eyes and tattoos on his chest, arms and right shoulder.

Mobile Home Fire Kills Man, Dog

(Portland, OR)  --  A man and his dog are dead following a mobile home fire in Keizer.  Firefighters responded to the blaze in the Rainbow Gardens Mobile Village yesterday morning after a neighbor saw the smoke and called 9-1-1.  A man and dog living in the home were killed, and a woman living inside the home was injured, as was a neighbor who tried to help.  An investigation is ongoing into what sparked the blaze.

Burglars Break Into Chocolate Shop, Steal Chocolate And Tip Money

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are looking for a group of burglars who broke into a chocolate shop in northeast Portland.  Police say the thieves broke into Woodblock Chocolate shop late last week and stole keys and a credit card along with a handful of Peruvian chocolates and two bucks from the tip jar.  Shop co-founder Charley Wheelock tells KATU the thieves were overly nice and even closed the door behind them, but they did steal a sense of safety from staff there.  Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
 

Police ID Skier Killed On Mount Bachelor

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a skier who died after falling into a tree well on Mount Bachelor.  The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office says 53-year-old Kenneth Brundidge of Oregon City died Friday.  Police say he was skiing with friends west of Sparks Lake Run when the accident happened.  Police add Brundidge was an experienced skier.

Man Arrested For Murder In Florence

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested one person in connection to a murder in Florence.  Police arrested 61-year-old Kevin Lee Cooper Saturday.  He's accused of killing one person at a home on Munsel Creek Drive.  It's not yet clear how the victim was killed.  An investigation is ongoing.

Oregon Man Trapped 5 Days In Snow With Dog

(Wake Butte, OR)  --  An Oregon man says he and his dog survived trapped in the snow for five days by eating taco sauce.  Jeremy Taylor got his SUV stuck in the snow on a forest service road last week near Wake Butte.  A missing person's alert was issued Wednesday.  On Friday, a snowmobiler found Taylor and his dog, Ally, and called authorities.  Taylor said he tried to walk out, but they didn't make it far.  They returned to the SUV, staying warm by occasionally starting the engine and eating taco sauce packets.  A heavy construction vehicle was able to dig him out of the snow and Taylor, along with his dog, was soon back with friends and family. 

Health Officials Confirm Two New Cases Of Measles

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A measles outbreak in southwestern Washington state continues to spread.  Clark County health officials say they confirmed another two cases of the disease on Saturday.  That brings the total in Clark County to 70 and the statewide total to 71.  Another four cases have been confirmed in Multnomah County.

Police ID Officers Involved In Deadly Shooting Of Vancouver Suspect

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police in Vancouver are releasing the identities of the officers who shot and killed a suspect accused of waving his gun at passers-by late last week.  The Vancouver Police Department says officers Christopher Douville and Andrew Dunbar opened fire on the man Thursday, killing him.  Both officers have been placed on leave per standard procedure.  Police say the suspect brandished his gun at the officers before they opened fire, killing him.

Thousands Show Up For Portland Womxn's's March

(Portland, OR)  --  The 2019 Portland Womxn's [[ Women's ]] March is in the books.  KATU reports thousands of demonstrators gathered in the South Park Blocks yesterday for a march and rally that started at noon.  Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Oregon Representative Suzanne Bonamici are among those who spoke at the event. 

Former Secretary Of State Paulus Dies

(Portland, OR)  --  Former Secretary of State Norma Paulus has died.  KATU reports Paulus died yesterday at the age of 85.  Paulus was the first woman to be elected to a state office.  She served as a state representative from 1970 to 1976, when she was elected secretary of state.  She was re-elected in 1980.

State Funeral Scheduled Wednesday For Secretary Of State Richardson

(Portland, OR)  --  A state funeral is scheduled next week for Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, who died Tuesday after a battle with cancer.  Richardson's body will lie in state at the Oregon Capitol next Wednesday.  The public is invited to visit and pay their respects from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.  Richardson's service will start at 2 p.m.

Man Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting In Vancouver

(Vancouver, WA)  --  One man is dead following an officer-involved shooting in Vancouver.  Police say officers responded to the area of West 12th and Jefferson Street yesterday afternoon on reports of a man waving a gun at passers-by.  Responding officers engaged the suspect at the scene and ended up opening fire, killing him.  A witness tells KATU the man was arguing with officers before they opened fire.
 

Teen Charged With Murder For Death Of Teen Boy In December

(Portland, OR)  --  A 15-year-old boy is facing charges in connection to the murder of another teen in December.  Police say Jeremiah Terrel Hannon is charged with two counts of murder for the death of 18-year-old Ian Olson.  His body was found December 21st at the Motel 6 on Northeast Halladay Street.  Police say Hannon robbed Olson before shooting him.

Bill Introduced To Reduce Jail Stays For The Mentally Ill In Oregon

(Salem, OR)  --  A proposed law would reduce jail time for those with mental illness in Oregon.  Lawmakers heard a bill Wednesday that would allow the courts to force the Oregon State Hospital to take in mental health patients as opposed to making them wait behind bars for a bed to open up.  An investigation into the system showed law enforcement failed to get 200 people into treatment and out of jail over the past year.  The Oregon State Hospital says they're currently at capacity with mental health patients. This bill would give court systems one day to find a place for patients in the hospital. 

Health Officials Investigating Four New Suspected Measles Cases

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Health officials are investigating four new suspected cases of measles in Washington state.  Clark County Public Health announced the new suspected cases yesterday.  Health officials have confirmed 66 cases of the measles in Washington state since the beginning of the year, as well as four in Multnomah County.

Woman Charged For Death Of Child In Her Care

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman is facing charges in connection to the death of a one-year-old boy in her care.  Police arrested 20-year-old Amber Marie Scott Wednesday on a charge of first-degree manslaughter.  Police say Scott was caring for the child on February 19th when the child became unresponsive and was rushed to a hospital.  The child died in the hospital on Monday.  Police say investigators have determined the child's breathing was restricted before he became unresponsive.

OSU Building Evacuated Due To Gas Leak

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Things are getting back to normal at Oregon State University today following a gas leak that forced students and faculty to evacuate.  Firefighters say yesterday's leak at the Oak Creek building on Western Boulevard was from acetylene gas.  The college ventilated the building.

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