PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were called to the scene of a burglary at a cannabis business in the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood early Monday morning. Officers responded to the 2400 block of Southeast 10th Avenue after reports of a break-in at the business.
Upon arrival, police learned that an individual, potentially armed, was inside the building. The area was quickly secured, and nearby streets were closed off as authorities made efforts to communicate with the suspect using a loudspeaker.
SERT officers entered the building just before 7:30 a.m. and, after approximately 10 minutes, successfully apprehended the suspect. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the suspect was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital after informing officers that he had ingested drugs.
At this time, police have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or the specific charges he may be facing. Authorities continued to search for a weapon in connection with the incident.
Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner noted that cannabis businesses are often targeted by burglars due to the nature of their operations. “These businesses deal in cash and have products that can be easily moved,” Benner said, underscoring the vulnerability of such establishments to criminal activity.
The incident, which unfolded in the early morning hours, disrupted the normal routine of nearby workers. Cassaundra Moses, a worker at a bakery located near the scene, expressed her frustration with the delays caused by the police presence. “They’re like, ‘Oh, there’s somebody inside with a gun.’ I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Thanks for telling me now?’” Moses said. “All of us bakers that are there, that are supposed to start at 6, we still have a full 10-hour day to do that we have no idea when it starts. I’ve been up since 4 o’clock this morning — don’t know when I’ll get to start work or when I’ll get to go home.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have not provided further details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the burglary. The police have emphasized that they are still searching for any potential weapons related to the crime.
