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Five charged in armed robbery of Portland pot shop

On Behalf of | Jan 10, 2021 | Drug Crimes |

Cannabis shops in Portland and other Oregon cities are obvious targets for persons intent on stealing cash and, in the case of a pot shop, merchandise. The twin lures of the money and the drug provide powerful lures for individuals who are willing to use a minimum amount of force to attain their goals. An example of such motivation occurred on New Year’s Day in north Portland when five people were arrested for allegedly breaking into a pot shop.

The allegations of the crimes

The incident began at about 1:45 p.m. on Friday when police were called to a possible armed robbery of a marijuana shop on NE Sandy Street. When police arrived, the suspects climbed into an automobile in an attempt to escape from the police. The vehicle was allegedly clocked at speeds of approximately 100 MPH. Witnesses were able to provide police with a description of the suspects and the alleged getaway car.

The suspects’ vehicle left the I-84 at NE 43rd Street; the five suspects then left the vehicle and began to run from the police. Police set up a perimeter in the Hollywood District. Five suspects were apprehended, and all five have been incarcerated. According to police records, the five suspects have all been charged with robbery in both the first and second degree. Police said that investigators found a gun that they believe was used in the robbery. The suspects range in age from 17 to 22. The seventeen-year old was booked into the Long Juvenile Detention Center.

The next steps

The suspects will be arraigned, informed of the charges made against them, and allowed to enter a plea to the various counts. Depending upon the pleas that are entered, the cases will be set down for pretrial discovery and an eventual trial.

The defendants in this case are facing serious criminal charges. Conviction could mean incarceration and a possible fine. Anyone facing similar charges may benefit from consulting an experienced criminal attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence, suggest potential defense strategies, and, when appropriate, assist in negotiating an helpful plea agreement.