Welcome to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Citizen Patrol volunteer program website.  We are based out of Corbett, Oregon (just east of Portland), in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  Our band of volunteers are trained citizen-volunteers that act as extra "eyes and ears" for our deputies.  The volunteers patrol with a partner to help reduce crime; particularly vehicle break-ins at places like Multnomah Falls.  They patrol the Corbett Schools to keep our kids safe.  They also assist at numerous community events and are trained to assist police and fire personnel in the event of a disaster or other large-scale emergency.  Members have all been vetted via an application process and background check.  Monthly trainings insure that our volunteers are professional and proficient.  If you're interested in joining, please contact Deputy Graziano (see contact info below or on the "About" page) and you can do a ride-along or a training session with the members.

                                                                            This website is updated approximately 2-3 times per month or as needed.

WE NEED YOU-- TO JOIN THE CITIZEN PATROL!
The Citizen Patrol (CP) is seeking new members.  If you like the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and if you have the desire to keep the community safe, the CP might be the right fit for you!    CP members are diverse in how they'd like to serve their community.  Some have an interest in neighborhood watch-style patrols or assisting during community events.  Others wish to focus on disaster preparedness and community resilience.  Whatever your desire, the CP can find a spot for you.  Free monthly trainings are offered each month on topics such as: 1st Aid, Disaster Response, Leadership, Traffic Crash Scene Management, Active Threats, Confrontational Simulation and more.  If you're interested, you're welcome to attend a monthly training session.   The CP has recently expanded into the city of Fairview to assist with motorized patrols in the city parks.  Contact Deputy Graziano for more information: joseph.graziano@mcso.us or 503-849-1206.

LATEST UPDATE:  10/8/19
Click HERE for the September Corbett Crime Log.

If you're interested in possibly joining the Citizen Patrol program, you're welcome to attend one of our 2-hour monthly trainings to see if this is something you might find enjoyable.  You may also do a "ride along" with a Citizen Patrol crew.  Please contact Deputy Graziano (see above) for arrangements.

9/23/19
The local bear population is active this time of year in Corbett.  Citizens have phoned-in regarding bear sightings.  In one case, a mischievous bear stole an entire bag of garbage out of a garbage can on Corbett Hill Rd..  The entire bag has not been located.  Click HERE to see a photo of one of the bears seen on a trail camera.  

Bears can be very crafty and resourceful at getting food, especially this time of year before their hibernation season. Home owners are advised to put out garbage as late as possible to avoid a late night visit from a bear.  In 2010, a bear on Brower Road literally peeled the siding off a house before it was shot and killed by a citizen.  Click HERE for a photo of the house damage.

9/12/19
Earlier this week a man broke into the Corbett Country Market and stole various items.  This same man was also seen on surveillance video around the same time-frame when a window at the Glenn Irvin Market was broken-out.  One of our Corrections Deputies was able to identify the suspect as someone that had previously been booked in the jail.  The suspect's photos was shown on the local news.  This morning, a good citizen recognized the man in North Portland and called police.  Portland Officers arrived and arrested the suspect.  The suspect is believed to be involved in even more serious crimes in the Portland area.  
     Click HERE for an article about this story in the Gresham Outlook.

9/5/19
Be aware of online "phishing" emails that ask you for information.  Phishing is similar to "fishing" in that the fraudster casts the bait, hoping that an unwitting person will see something alluring and then "bite".  The bait can be different for different people.  Even in my own personal case of operating this Citizen Patrol website, I've received legitimate looking (but fake) emails advising that I'm late on the payments and/or I need to click on their links to continue service.  Some can look very authentic (remember...this is "bait" and it's meant to look real).   You'll never be contacted online or by phone with someone from the IRS or Social Security Office etc..  If the fraudster insists that he or she is from your bank, then hang up and call your bank directly; don't use the phone number they provide.  It may be even better to visit your bank in person.  Sometimes fraudsters will use names of legitimate employees at your institutions.  

If you're directed to click an online link---DON'T.  Instead, go directly to your account and login.  In my case with the website scam, I found that the account and all payments were current.  

Also, phone numbers can be "spoofed" so that the caller can appear to be anyone.  There are numerous free "spoofing" apps on smart phones that anyone can use.  Even a kid can spoof a friend to show that his "mom" is calling.  So be very cautious about sharing personal information.  Here's the email that was sent to a Corbett woman (I've deleted her name for privacy purposes):

From: FlashAlert <donotreply@flashalert.net>
Date: September 4, 2019 at 2:35:46 PM PDT
To: Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office <victimsemail@rconnects.com>
Subject: Confirm your FlashAlert account by Sept. 30
Reply-To: support@flashalert.net
You are subscribed to FlashAlert Messenger email messages (such as snow closures or other news) from Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office. Please read on to continue using this free service.

You must confirm your account each fall to keep it alive. Please go to https://www.flashalert.net/login.html?link=1&EmailAddress=joeystewart@rconnects.com , enter your password, then click to log out. To keep the lists clean, accounts that have not been confirmed will be deleted on Sept. 30.

If you don't like clicking on links, you can go to FlashAlert.net and click on "Manage Your Messenger Subscription."
Best,
Craig Walker,
www.FlashAlert.net
on behalf of Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office
Confidentiality: This e-mail transmission may contain confidential and/or privileged information. The information contained herein is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the addressee, please do not review, disclose, copy or distribute this transmission. If you have received this transmission in error, please contact the sender immediately.

8/28/19
There were numerous mail thefts this past week that occurred on Northway, Gordon Creek Rd and Bull Run Rd. (in Clackamas County).  Although mailboxes are convenient, they aren't secure.  Even the locked heavy-duty mailboxes can be forcibly opened.  If you have mail with sensitive information, it's best to drop it off directly as the Post Office.  If you have mail delivered, it's best to retrieve it as quickly as possible or even have a trusted home-bound neighbor gather the mail soon-after it arrives.  Mail and package thieves have been known to follow mail and delivery trucks a short distance away, only to steal the items after they're delivered.

If you're a mail theft victim. you're advised to follow the steps listed on this Federal Trade Commission wesbsite: https://www.identitytheft.gov/Steps

8/26/19
Click HERE for a link to a an email from County Emergency Management regarding this week's heat advisory.

8/21/19
The Corbett/ East County area has had a handful of more serious police calls during the past few weeks.   Last night a man crashed a vehicle through the iron rod fence across from the Riverview Restaurant, located on the west end of the Stark Street Bridge.  The man appeared to be high on drugs and fought with deputies during his arrest.  

Last week during the night, in a very remote area off Toll Rd., a man with a gun was confronted by a homeowner.  Deputies were called to the scene and confronted the 280 lbs man who appeared high on "bath salts".  The man resisted arrest but was taken into custody without further incident.

A woman from Portland reported that a man kidnapped her, in her own vehicle, and drover her to Corbett Hill Rd..  The man allegedly raped the woman and the suspect was later arrested.

A sergeant responded to an area off I84 near the Troutdale exit regarding a motorcyclist that eluded police from Hood River.  The suspect ambushed the sergeant, striking him in the forehead with a helmet.  Another deputy arrived, and tased the suspect, whom was taken into custody.  The suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded gun and had multiple warrants.  The sergeant was treated and released from the hospital.

Deputies responded to an apartment off Corbeth Lane due to reports of a woman screaming.  When deputies arrived, a male suspect pointed a gun at the deputies.  After it was determined that neither the woman nor others were in imminent danger from the suspect, deputies disengaged from the suspect.  Detectives later located and arrested the man without incident.

8/8/19
Corbett area roadways continue to be the occasional recipient of dumped bags of human waste in the roadways.  The plastic bags are knotted shut and deposited in lanes of traffic.  The bags were first noticed around November 2018.  Weeks have gone by without a single bag being dumped, while at other times, several bags are found in the area.  About half of the bags are struck by cars which becomes quite a mess for ODOT or County Roads workers.  Along with human waste, the bags usually contain kitty litter, toilet paper and/or baby wipes.  It's common for small, portable camping style toilets to recommend the use of kitty litter.  If you have any information that could lead to the arrest of the person(s) dumping these bags, please contact Deputy Joe Graziano (contact info above).

Please click HERE for the July 2019 crime log.


7/16/19
Multiple cougar sightings have occurred around the Springdale Job Corps and Wand Road this past month.  Click HERE for a link from the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife regarding living with cougars.

7/8/19
Summer is one of the busier months for the Citizen Patrol volunteers.  Members typically assist for the "Puppies and Ponies" event at the Sandy River Delta, Corbett 4th of July, the Wood Village National Night Out (on 7/19), the Troutdale Summer Fest (on 7/20) the Fairview National Night Out (on 8/6) and occasional events at the state parks.  Additionally, they routinely patrol gorge area parking lots and trail heads, assisting tourists while looking for signs of suspicious activity.

Click HERE for the June 2019 Corbett Crime Log

6/10/19
The Corbett area has had several recent issues pertaining to homelessness and persons with mental health issues.  This morning a witness reported seeing a woman in the Sandy River, apparently putting an object in the water.  The woman claimed it was her deceased child.  After an intensive search for the woman, with over a dozen police and fire personnel with divers, it was determined that the woman was having a mental health crisis and there was no deceased child in the water.  

Last week, two subjects were placed on "mental holds" in one day  and a third was placed on a mental hold the following day.  In one incident, a man on Larch Mt. was knocking on doors and claiming that someone had a gun.  It was later found that the man and his friend had been dropped off to camp and the man's friend did have a gun.   The troubled man was placed on a mental hold.  Persons taken on mental holds are taken to a local hospital.  If the person is deemed as no longer being a danger to themselves or others, the person is released.  

​6/6/19
The Citizen Patrol is gearing up for numerous summer community events.  If you're interested in possibly joining the Citizen Patrol (CP), please contact Deputy Graziano (contact info is above).  You're welcome to attend a monthly training or to go on a ride-along.

Sheriff Reese has a new video message.  Deputy Graziano's Corbett Community Resource Officer position is highlighted in this month's video.  Click HERE for the YouTube link.

Click HERE for the latest Corbett Crime Log.

Multnomah County and the Sheriff's Office will continue to face budget issues in the future.  Click HERE for a link to Commissioner Kafoury's message about this issue.

                                                                                                                       
​4/30/2019
Deputy Joe "Rocky" Graziano, the Corbett Community Resource Officer, is no longer on the proposed budget cut list for the county.  The Corbett citizens were very supportive of this position.  Deputy Graziano is glad to be staying and he hopes to continue in this position for another four years, until his retirement in 2023.  Of course in the line of law enforcement, retirement is never a "given", but that is his hope.   He was extremely appreciative to witness the outpouring of community support.  Rocky will also retain oversight of the Citizen Patrol volunteer program.  Rocky is excited to begin working on various projects that have been on hold due to the uncertainty of his position.

3/11/19
Joshua Applestill has been missing for nearly 3-weeks.  He was last seen on Larch Mt..  If you have any information about Josh, please call the non-emergency#, 503-823-3333.  Here's a KATU news link: https://katu.com/news/local/family-searches-for-corbett-man-missing-nearly-two-weeks

As mentioned on 11/20/18, numerous bags of human waste have been discarded along the Old Hwy, Curtis and Corbett Hill Rd..  In the past, it appeared that the bags may have contained diapers, however, recently, the bags contained human waste, tissues and sometimes, kitty litter.  When bags are "double bagged" with kitty litter, it's usually consistent with the use of small, portable camp toilets.  This morning, waste and tissues were strewn along E. Columbia River Hwy. at Crestview for approximately 50 yards.  If you seen any suspicious activity regarding this, please call the non-emergency#, 503-823-3333.




10/4/18
After the incident last week with the man mentioned below, several Corbett residents were concerned that only some people received phone calls or alerts about the dangerous wanted subject in the area and others did not.  There were similar concerns regarding why some citizens were or were not informed during the Eagle Creek Fire.   There are several ways to stay informed.  It's apparently a complex system, but Dep. Graziano is working with county Emergency Management to compile the information in an understandable format.  For now, it's best to sign up with #1 and #4 below.

1) One of the best ways to get info is by signing up with the "Public Alerts" system at www.publicalerts.org.   These alerts are sent directly from the government entities you choose.  This system is what most people refer to as "Reverse 911" when it comes to police and fire calls.   Local government agencies can send out notices to landline phones only UNLESS the citizen has opted-in to provide their cell phone number.  These alerts are sent out in a "geographic radius" and not to individualized residences .  The alert system only allows for "pre-canned" messages and NOT messages that are highly specific to the actual incident.  For example, if an armed and dangerous person is running through the area, you may get an alert that says to remain inside.  You will NOT get an alert that describes the wanted person or the nature of the crime.

2) You can also sign up for alerts from local news organizations at "Flash Alert" at www.flashalert.net. 

3) Another system is the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)/ Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS).  Click HERE  for an information video.  This is a federal system (through FEMA) but it's generally not used for localized events or unfolding crime situations.  These alerts are ONLY sent to wireless phones.  Be aware that if your phone lacks a signal or is in sleep mode, you may receive delayed alerts when your phone does reacquire a signal.   The alert is sent to a geographic area and NOT to a phone at a specified address.  For example, if you're from Oregon but driving through Kansas, your phone can potentially be alerted about a looming tornado in Kansas.  However, using the same example, if you're in Kansas and a tsunami alert goes out along the Oregon coast, you will NOT get that alert despite being an Oregon resident.  See the entry below on 9/17/18 for further information.  Click HERE for a graphic about IPAWS

4) The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Twitter and Facebook pages.

5) Although very rare, you may also receive a phone call directly from a live police officer for certain situations.  For example, if a police agency is involved in a hostage situation or other grave situation, officers will do their best to obtain a phone number for your address via numerous means to alert you to shelter in place, evacuate etc..  Since this is a very tedious method, it's only used in smaller, isolated situations. 

9/26/18
The suspect listed below was captured this morning at 8:30 AM, thanks to the tip for a local Corbett woman.  Thank you Deb!  The man was arrested near Lewis and Clark Park.  He was very dirty and tired.  He even offered to smile for a photo.

This afternoon, Corbett Fire organized an anti-drinking and driving presentation for Corbett H.S. seniors.  It was similar to a live theatrical performance with role players and personnel from the Corbett Fire Department, the Sheriff's Office, the Citizen Patrol and the Medical Examiner's Office.  The scene involved two wrecked cars, injured victims and a reenactment of the response at a deadly crash scene.

9/25/18
This morning a man assaulted a Corbett woman in her own home.  At this time, it does not appear that the suspect knew the woman.  Deputies, K9 officers and a SWAT team searched the area throughout the day but were unable to locate the suspect.   The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.   Please click HERE  for an info flyer.

9/17/18
The Multnomah County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) forwarded informational handouts so that citizens can sign up for an Integrated Public Alerts (IPAWS) warning system to cell phones.  Despite what the attached info sheet say, it looks like they'll be doing a nationwide on 10/3/18.  The following is from OEM:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will now conduct the planned nationwide test of theEmergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on October 3, 2018. The WEA portion of the test commences at 2:18 p.m. EDT, and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.October 3 was the previously scheduled back-up date for the test, which was originally set up for this Thursday, September 20. A backup date is always planned in case of widespread severe weather or other significant events on the primary test date. FEMA and the nation’s emergency management community are currently actively involved in various response efforts to severe weather, including Hurricane Florence.For further information on the test, go to:
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test
INFO FORMS:
2018_ipaws_national_test_fact_sheet.pdf
ipaws_test_fact_sheet_-_oem.pdf
ean_wea_android_medium.jpg
wea_test_graphic_iphone_only_081018_.png

9/4/18
A citizen on NE Corbett Hill Road reported that  naked man was knocking on his door at 3AM.  The main claimed he had been beaten up and dropped off in the area.  Deputies located the man nearby and found that he had rummaged through another neighbors property, where the man found a blanket and sandals.  The man (not from the Corbett area) claimed that he had been beaten by known persons, however he refused to give the investigating deputy further details.  The man was arrested on a warrant.  The man had also failed to report to his probation officer for his ankle monitoring bracelet.  In a separate incident, a woman was taken into custody after she was found walking along SE Gordon Creek Rd. at night and behaving oddly.  It was likely related to a DUII crash in the area.

8/28/18
This is a week of suspicious vehicles in the Corbett area!  In addition to the vehicles listed below, a resident reports that a white vehicle, possibly a Subaru wagon drove down her driveway on Louden Rd..  The vehicle was pulling an empty trailer.  It departed after being seen by the homeowner.

8/27/18
A residence was burglarized at the 43000 block of E. Columbia River Hwy..  When the homeowner returned home, she saw an African-American man, associated with a gray, 1999 Lexus SUV (plate 539HPY).  The man told the owner that he was looking for gas.  After he departed, the homeowner realized that the house door had been kicked in and numerous items were stolen.  A deputy found that the SUV was listed as stolen.

In another incident, a homeowner at the 36000 block of SE Gordon Creek Rd. reported that a suspicious man in a nice, white Corvette (plate 474JJL) drove onto the remote property.  The man, a white male with grayish hair and a muscular build, apparently told the neighbor a story, yet when he was confronted by owner, the man told a different story.  A deputy is still attempting to contact the vehicle's owner.

In a 3rd incident, a black Sedan (plate 347EYS), was parked in front of a house at the 32000 block of E. Columbia River Hwy.  The occupant was taking photos of the house.. The homeowner reports that this car in the past, in this area.  When the homeowner exited the house to contact the driver, the vehicle sped off quickly.

If you see any of these suspicious vehicles, please do not contact the occupant(s).  Instead, call either 911 or the non-emergency number (503-823-3333) at your discretion.

8/14/18
Yesterday afternoon a deputy got into a short pursuit with a  young man in a stolen car along I84.  The suspect took the Corbett exit and proceeded uphill.  He then turned onto Reed Rd. and "bailed" out of the car.  Deputies converged on the area and found the suspect walking along the railroad track, along I84, about 30 minutes later.  The man was arrested and taken to jail.

From 10/12/17
Click HERE for a slideshow that discusses the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire damage and its hazard impact to our area.
For updates about the Eagle Creek fire with road and trail closure updates, please click HERE