Suspect

Yesterday, April 10^th, 2024, Anthony Wessel, age 41, was sentenced by Judge Cody Weston to life in prison without eligibility for parole until he has served 25 years. 

On November 13^th, 2023, Mr. Wessel entered the lobby of the Oregon City Police Department and turned himself in for killing his wife, 37-year-old Anna Wessel.  Officers found Anna deceased at the Wessel home.  While on scene, officers also discovered a note Mr. Wessel had written that was directed to police.  In the note, Wessel wrote he had planned to commit a murder-suicide.  A subsequent note in the margin stated Mr. Wessel decided to turn himself in.  Other written materials were found indicating Mr. Wessel had planned the crime.

First and foremost, the Oregon City Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to Anna’s family and all the community members who have been forever impacted by Mr. Wessel’s actions.  We will continue to keep you in our thoughts as you navigate the grief associated with losing Anna.

We also extend our gratitude to our officers, detectives, and the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office, for their role in swiftly resolving this matter.

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***Update, 04/06/2024 5:34 p.m. the suspect in this case has been identified as 22 year-old, Evan Bettencourt, and he has been taken into custody.  Mr. Bettencourt will be lodged at the Clackamas County Jail for Criminal Mischief 1.  Thanks for everybody’s assistance!***
 

On April 5th, 2024, at around 11:45 p.m. an unidentified male suspect kicked the door of the Oregon City Municipal Elevator located at 300 7th St., which rendered it inoperable.  The damage is estimated to be over $1,000 dollars.  The incident was captured on video surveillance.  

The suspect is further described as a white male adult, approximately 25-30 years of age, with brown hair and a goatee and is believed to be associated with two other white male adults, who are also pictured.

The City of Oregon City is offering a $500 dollar reward for any information leading to the identity, arrest, and conviction of the suspect.  Please contact the OCPD tip line at 503-905-3505 if you have any information related to this incident and mention case #24-006687.

See OCPD Facebook for video of incident. 

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***Update:  03/25/2024 4:23 p.m. ********

Thanks to the public’s assistance Mr. Groat was just located and taken into custody.

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On March 22^nd, 2024, at about 11:26 p.m. the Oregon City Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Circle K gas station located at 19791 Highway 213 in Oregon City, Oregon.  The employee was not physically injured during the robbery.  A coordinated effort was made to locate the suspect, who was later identified as 42-year-old Thomas James Groat, however, officers were unable to locate him. OCPD detectives continued the investigation during the weekend.  

On March 25^th, 2024, at about 10:41 a.m. while doing follow-up on the case, an OCPD detective observed Mr. Groat on foot near Molalla Ave and Gaffney Lane.  Additional resources were called to the scene and a search was done for Mr. Groat.  During this search, a request was made to CCOM (dispatch) to have residents in the search area shelter in place.  Mr. Groat was not located and the shelter in place directive was lifted. 

Mr. Groat is a white male adult, who is approximately 5’6’’, 150lbs, and has long shoulder length brown hair.  Mr. Groat is considered armed and dangerous. 

If you see Mr. Groat, do not attempt to contact him and call 911.   Reference OCPD case number 24-005678.