Gresham Man Arrested For Crash That Killed Two (Photo) - 11/07/25

Gresham, Ore.— Investigators with the East County Vehicular Crimes Team have arrested 22-year-old Eyasu Bedasso in relation to a fatal June traffic crash.

On June 16th, officers responded to a serious traffic crash on SW Towle Ave in Gresham. A small SUV driven by Bedasso collided with another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, 69-year-old Theresa Heick, died at the scene. Theresa’s husband and passenger, 79-year-old Robert Heick, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Robert died of his injuries several days later.

Members of the East County Vehicular Crimes Team investigated the crash. The VCT is made up of specially trained officers from the Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, along with dedicated prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators reviewed physical evidence at the scene, surveillance video, and data captured by the involved vehicle’s onboard computers. An unmanned aircraft system (drone) was also used to analyze and document the crash scene. They determined Bedasso’s vehicle was travelling more than 80mph in the posted 35mph zone. His speed was the major cause of the crash. Investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the collision.

Bedasso was indicted by a Grand Jury on October 31st and arrested by investigators on November 5th. He was booked into Multnomah County Jail to face two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide, and Reckless Driving. This crash is a tragic reminder of the danger and potential consequences when motorists disregard posted speed limits.

Community Tips Lead To Arrest Of Suspect In Halloween Disturbance - 11/05/25

Gresham, Ore.— After receiving multiple tips from the community, police have identified the suspect in a Halloween altercation at a Gresham drive-thru as 64-year-old David Mead Sr.  Officers located and arrested Mead early Wednesday evening. 

Through their investigation, officers determined the weapon Mead brandished was a compressed-air powered device designed to fire irritant or kinetic projectiles.  The design, coloration, and operation of the device mimic a firearm.  While it is not illegal to possess this kind of self-defense tool, displaying it or any replica firearm during a dispute can cause the situation to escalate and may lead to criminal charges. 

Mead was booked into Multnomah County Jail, where he faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Menacing. 

The Gresham Police Department would like to thank our community and media partners for their assistance with this investigation.

Suspect Pulls Gun On Taco Bell Drive-Thru Customers In Gresham (Photo) - 11/04/25

Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police are asking for assistance from the public identifying a suspect who attempted to cut in line a restaurant drive-thru then threatened other patrons with a gun. 

On Halloween night, customers at the Gresham Taco Bell reported seeing an angry subject banging on the doors to the restaurant.  The suspect then got in his truck and attempted to cut around the line of traffic waiting for the drive-thru window.  When other customers told the suspect to go to the back of the line, he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at a car occupied by two adults and a young child. 

The suspect was wearing a black jacket with a badge, possibly for a private security company.  He was driving a gray Ford F150 with a camper shell and Oregon Cultural Trust license plates. 

Anyone who recognizes the suspect can contact the lead investigator, Officer Justin Dennard, at Justin.Dennard@GreshamOregon.gov.  The suspect should be considered armed and should not be approached by members of the public.  Anyone who sees him should call 911. 

Arrest Made In Mid-October Gresham Shooting - 11/04/25

Gresham, Ore.— Early Tuesday morning, Gresham detectives and members of East Metro SWAT served a warrant at a residence in the 2300 block of SE 7^th St and arrested 27-year-old Christopher Hernandez for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Hernandez’ arrest stems from a shooting that occurred in Gresham in mid-October.  On October 19^th, Hernandez and several associates were involved in a disturbance at sports bar in the 1500 block of NE Division St.    The disturbance moved to the parking lot, where Herandez and several associates assaulted a patron of the bar.  The severity of the assault prompted an uninvolved community member to intervene.  Hernandez shot at the intervening person; however, he missed and struck Myranda Rice, an innocent bystander.  Rice suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.   

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.  Anyone with information about the fight or subsequent shooting can contact Detective Tyson Conroy at

Tyson.Conroy@GreshamOregon.gov or call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719.

Gresham Police Arrest Sexual Abuse Suspect. - 11/03/25

Gresham, Ore.— A sexual abuse suspect is now under arrest, following an investigation by Gresham Police.  In mid-October, officers learned 47-year-old Rami Layous had repeatedly sexually abused a child, with the abuse occurring over multiple years.  Following an investigation by Gresham detectives, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office obtained an indictment charging Layous with multiple counts of sodomy and sexual abuse.

On Monday morning, detectives, supported by East Metro SWAT, served an arrest warrant at Layous’ home in Damascus.  Layous was arrested without incident.  He was booked into the Multnomah County jail to face the following charges:

• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree – 4 counts
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree – 1 count
• Sodomy in the Second Degree – 1 count

Anyone with information regarding Layous’ behavior can contact the lead investigator, Detective Mark Hawley, at Mark.Hawley@GreshamOregon.gov.

To protect the privacy of the child victim, no additional information will be released at this time. 

Gresham Sex Abuse Suspect Arrested In Southeast Portland - 10/28/25

Gresham, Ore.— A suspect accused of fleeing in the middle of his trial for multiple felony sex crimes has been located and arrested.

In early October, Sammy Lisero Cardoza attended the first day of his trial on charges of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, and two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree.  Cardoza, who was out of custody on pre-trial release, removed his GPS ankle monitor the following morning and failed to appear on the second day of trial.  A nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest.

This afternoon, members of the US Marshals Service arrested Cardoza outside a residence near SE Steele St and SE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd in Portland.  Cardoza may face additional criminal charges for fleeing trial. 

The Gresham Police Department would like to thank our partners at the US Marshals Service for their assistance apprehending Cardoza. 

Detectives Investigating Rockwood Neighborhood Shooting (Photo) - 10/25/25

RELEASE DATE:               Oct. 25, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-44027
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of adult entertainment club in the Rockwood Neighborhood.

Officers with Gresham Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 17500 block of SE Stark St., before 3 a.m.  The victim was driven by private vehicle to an area hospital as police were responding. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officers responded to area of the shooting and to the hospital. When officers arrived, they found evidence of gunfire in the parking lot of an adult entertainment club. The suspect/s fled the scene prior to their arrival.

This is the second shooting in the 17500 block of SE Stark St. this month. Officers responded to a shooting in this area on Oct. 13, just after midnight. In that case, a vehicle and a business was damaged, but no gunshot victims were reported.

Gresham Police detectives are investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Gresham Police Tip-Line at 503-618-2317 and reference case #25-44027.

###30###

One Person Injured In North Central Shooting (Photo) - 10/21/25

RELEASE DATE:               Oct. 21, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-43135
 

Gresham, Ore.— Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the Hood Center parking lot early Sunday morning.

Officers with Gresham Police Department responded to a report of a fight with at least one gunshot fired in the 1500 block of NE Division St., on Oct. 19, shortly after 2:30 a.m.  They found one person who had been shot and provided care until paramedics arrived. The suspect/s fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The victim has been identified as Myranda Rice, 30, of Sandy.

Gresham Police detectives are investigating the shooting. The victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive.  No further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Conroy at tyson.conroy@greshamoregon.gov, reference case # 25-43135. Tips can be made anonymously by calling the Gresham Police Tip-Line at 503-618-2317 or by visiting  http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com.

###30###

***UPDATE*** Police Locate Missing Endangered Adult (Photo) - 10/21/25

RELEASE DATE:               October 20, 2025

CASE UPDATE:                 October 21, 2025
CASE NUMBER:                 25-43382
 

***UPDATE***

James Robinson has been located.

******

Gresham, Ore.—Gresham Police is asking for assistance with locating a missing 55-year-old man, James Robinson.  Staff at James’ care facility discovered he was missing from the 800 block of NW Riverview Ave., today at about 4 p.m. James has a seizure disorder and other conditions and is missing his medication. Staff at his care home is concerned he may not know how to find his way home.

James is described a White male who is 5-feet and 7-inches tall and weighs approximately 145 pounds. He has gray hair, blue eyes and holds his arm stiff with his hand noticeably curled.  It is believed James is wearing a black sweater, black sweatpants and black shoes. James is familiar with TriMet and may go to go to the area of the 2000 block of SW Morrison St., in Portland.

Anyone who knows of James’ whereabouts is asked to call 911 or non-emergency at 503-823-3333

###30###

Second Suspect Arrested For Shooting Of Gresham 13-year-old - 10/17/25

Gresham, Ore.— On Friday afternoon, Xavier Hirsch was arrested for his role in the murder of 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey.   Members of the US Marshals Service, assisted by the Beaverton Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, located Hirsch at a residence in Beaverton and took him into custody.  

Hirsch was one of three suspects wanted for Spahnle-Bailey’s murder.  Anthony Hunter Jr. was arrested last month in Portland.  The third suspect, Terrell Coy, remains at large.  The US Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Coy’s arrest.  Investigators have learned Coy has connections to Phoenix, Arizona.   

Anyone with information can contact GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505. Information can also be sent directly to investigators via email at Martin.Daly@GreshamOregon.gov or Lindsay.Friderich@GreshamOregon.gov.

Police Attempting To Identify Theft & Robbery Suspect (Photo) - 10/13/25

Police in Gresham are investigating a series of thefts and robberies which have targeted local retailers.  Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who is described as 18-25 years old, 5’6”-5’9” tall, and weighing about 120 pounds, jumping over the checkout to steal cash from the register.  Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to email Gresham Police Sgt. Adam Oblack at

Adam.Oblack@GreshamOregon.gov

Sex Abuse Suspect Absconds Mid-Trial (Photo) - 10/08/25

Gresham, Ore.— A suspect accused of multiple felony sex crimes has absconded in the middle of trial. 

Sammy Lisero Cardoza faces charges of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, and two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree.  Trial for those crimes began Monday morning in Multnomah County Circuit Court. 

Cardoza, who was out of custody on pre-trial release, attended the first day of trial.  This morning, Multnomah County pre-trial supervision officers received a notification that Cardoza had removed his GPS ankle monitor.  Cardoza then failed to appear on the second day of trial, and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest. 

"We are determined to hold him accountable and look forward to him being brought back to court," said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.  "Anyone found aiding in his flight from justice will be prosecuted."

Detectives have learned Cardoza may have fled to Washington state.  Cardoza was seen on surveillance video wearing a black sweatshirt, white shirt, and blue pants.  He may also be associated with a silver Dodge Charger with damage to the driver’s door. 

Anyone with information on his location is asked to contact Detective Lindsay Friderich at Lindsay.Friderich@GreshamOregon.gov or to call the GPD tip line at 503-618-2719 or toll-free at 1-888-989-3505.