On April 20^th, 2024, at about 12:48 p.m. Oregon City police officers responded to a report of a suspicious adult male at Jiffy Lube located at 13851 Beavercreek Rd. The same subject, later identified as 23-year-old Adonai Gabriel-Escamilla, had been called in as trespassing at the same location earlier in the day.  During the first incident, Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla ran through traffic, refused to stop, and officers were unable to locate him during a subsequent area check. 

When officers contacted Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla during the second incident, he produced a knife and attempted to stab an officer.  Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla again fled on foot and at one point entered a local business with customers inside, prompting a large police response.  Attempts were made to close traffic to contain Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla and to protect bystanders.  Officers further pursued Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla, who ultimately dropped the knife and was arrested. 

Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Clackamas County Major Crimes team has been activated to investigate the incident.  Mr. Gabriel-Escamilla is expected to be lodged at the Clackamas County Jail once medically discharged for attempted aggravated murder of a police officer and additional charges.   

During the incident, OCPD officers were assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and the Gladstone Police Department. 

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has video of the incident to call the Oregon City Police Tip line at 503-905-3505.  Please reference OCPD case number #24-007805.

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.