MCSO Disrupts Stolen Motorcycle Operation, Addresses Neighborhood Concerns (Photo) -04/25/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) conducted a search warrant in Troutdale, resulting in the recovery of stolen motorcycles, a firearm and prohibited weapons, and the arrest of a suspect.

 

The investigation began on April 8, 2025, when a MCSO deputy, currently assigned as the City of Troutdale Resource Deputy, conducted a traffic stop on Troutdale Road. The Harley Davidson motorcycle he stopped was not displaying a license plate. The deputy was unable to locate a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the motorcycle. Suspecting the motorcycle was stolen, the deputy seized the bike for a VIN inspection. The rider was connected to a home located in the 500 block of SE 18th St. in Troutdale. The deputy recognized the address as a location where he had previously arrested 42-year-old Michael G. Falk and had observed an unusually high number of motorcycles on the residential property.

 

The deputy collaborated with the Portland Police Bureau Auto Theft Task Force, who conducted a VIN inspection of the motorcycle and confirmed it had been reported stolen. Based on this finding, the deputy obtained a search warrant for Falk’s property, which was conducted on April 17, 2025.

 

During the search of the property, among around 15 motorcycles and motorcycle parts, law enforcement officials discovered two stolen motorcycles, two additional motorcycles with their VINs intentionally removed, a firearm and other prohibited weapons.

 

Michael Falk, who resides at the location with his elderly father, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The following charges were directly presented to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: two counts of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, two counts of Trafficking in Vehicles with Altered VINs, two counts of Felon in Possession of Prohibited weapons and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Today, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Falk on all charges.

 

The investigation also revealed concerning information regarding the welfare of Mr. Falk’s father. The deputy contacted Adult Protective Services to help the father in seeking the eviction of Mr. Falk from the property.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the significant impact this situation has had on the neighborhood. During the search warrant, neighbors expressed their relief and appreciation for law enforcement intervention. The City of Troutdale Code Enforcement also responded to the scene and will be addressing code violations at the residence.

 

MCSO Captain Rob Stewart, City of Troutdale Chief of Police, commended the deputy for his diligent work, stating, "This deputy’s keen observation, thorough investigation and commitment to addressing both criminal activity and neighborhood livability issues are exemplary. This case showcases the dedication of our deputies to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community."

 

Community policing is essential to strengthening trust, collaboration and long-term solutions to public safety concerns. Community Resource Deputies work closely with city leaders, neighborhood associations, businessowners and residents to increase participation in crime reduction efforts and improve coordination to resolve public safety challenges. By building lasting relationships and encouraging proactive problem-solving, our Community Resource Deputies help create safer, more connected communities.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Achieves Accreditation In Law Enforcement And Corrections (Photo) -04/15/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is proud to announce it has officially received accreditation in both law enforcement and corrections, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s commitment to public safety, accountability and professional excellence.

 

Corrections Accreditation

MCSO’s Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) and Inverness Jail (MCIJ) have successfully completed the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) Jail Accreditation process, a rigorous evaluation that ensures compliance with industry best practices and legal standards.

 

The over 300 best-practice measurements, previously known as the Oregon Jail Standards, transitioned to OSSA’s Jail Accreditation in 2024. Facilities are required to meet:

• 100% compliance with statutory standards,
• 90% compliance with Tier 1 standards, and
• 80% compliance with Tier 2 standards.

MCSO was one of the first agencies to complete the accreditation process. The accreditation process started in the fall of 2023, for MCDC, and in the fall of 2024, for MCIJ. Both MCIJ and MCDC passed the evaluation process and received accreditation.

 

Accreditation takes place every two years and is designed to raise the bar by improving management, reducing liability and creating consistency in the operation of all county jails in Oregon.

 

Law Enforcement Accreditation

In September 2024, MCSO earned law enforcement accreditation from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance, meeting more than one hundred standards that require ongoing documentation, compliance monitoring and a comprehensive on-site evaluation.

 

This achievement follows the requirements of Oregon House Bill 2162, which mandates that all law enforcement agencies with 100 or more sworn officers obtain accreditation by July 1, 2025. MCSO proactively pursued this designation ahead of schedule, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability and the highest service standards.

 

Commitment to Excellence

Accreditation is more than an award—it represents a commitment to continuous improvement. The process includes:

• Policy and Procedure Evaluation – Ensuring policies align with best practices and legal standards.
• Training & Professional Development – Enhancing staff competency through ongoing education.
• Accountability & Transparency – Strengthening public trust through oversight and ethical practices.
• Operational Efficiency – Optimizing resources for better service delivery.

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell expressed pride in the agency’s achievement:

“Receiving accreditation is a testament to MCSO’s dedication to professionalism, integrity, and service. This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our team and our unwavering commitment to the people of Multnomah County.”

 

As part of maintaining accreditation, MCSO will undergo ongoing evaluations to ensure compliance with evolving standards. The agency remains dedicated to delivering the highest level of law enforcement and corrections services to the community.

 

K-9 Hans Locates Fleeing Suspect (Photo) -04/03/25

MCSO K-9 Hans located a suspect who fled from a stolen U-Haul truck, leading to his arrest.

 

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy located an occupied stolen U-Haul truck in the parking lot of the Wood Village Fred Meyer. As the deputy attempted to intervene, the vehicle left the parking lot, prompting a coordinated law enforcement response.

 

An MCSO deputy successfully deployed a spike strip at NE 223rd Avenue and NE Park Lane; however, the suspect continued north on NE 223rd Avenue before turning west onto NE Sandy Boulevard. As the pursuit entered Gresham, officers from the Gresham Police Department assisted in monitoring the vehicle’s movements.

 

The stolen truck continued west on Sandy Boulevard into Northeast Portland, where officers from the Portland Police Bureau provided additional support. A second spike strip was successfully deployed, causing the truck to slow down and eventually come to a stop near NE Sandy Boulevard and NE 131st Place. At this point, the truck had sustained three flat tires.

 

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood. MCSO K-9 Hans, known for his exceptional tracking skills and dedication, was brought in to assist with the search. Hans successfully tracked and located the suspect hiding under a deck, leading to his arrest. 38-year-old Gabriel Vogel was taken into custody at 6:49 p.m. Booking information can be viewed here.

 

Fortunately, there was no property damage or reported injuries resulting from the incident.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Gresham Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau for their assistance in bringing this incident to a swift and safe resolution. The coordinated, multi-agency effort ensured the apprehension of the suspect while prioritizing public safety.

Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested -03/31/25

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrested a suspect involved in a domestic violence incident following a tactical response on Monday morning.

 

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at around 4:30 a.m., MCSO deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a home in the 100 block of Cedar Lane in Wood Village. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim had sustained significant injuries. The suspect had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. During their investigation, deputies located multiple weapons inside the home, which were subsequently secured and removed for safety.

 

On Monday, March 31, just before 8:00 a.m., a neighbor reported that the suspect had returned to the residence in a pickup truck. Deputies quickly established a perimeter around the home and surrounding neighborhood. A search of the vehicle confirmed it was clear of any immediate threats.

 

Due to information that the suspect may have been armed, and out of an abundance of caution, a reverse 911 notification was issued to nearby residents, advising them to remain indoors. Additionally, nearby schools and daycare facilities were notified of the situation.

 

Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) members from both MCSO and Gresham Police, who were available on duty at the time, were able to establish communication with the suspect, leading to a peaceful surrender at approximately 9:45 a.m. The suspect, 42-year-old Timothy Way, was taken into custody without incident and booked into jail on multiple felony offenses. Booking information can be viewed here.

 

MCSO would like to thank Gresham Police for their assistance, and the community for their cooperation during this event. This incident remains under investigation.

Multnomah County Sheriff's Deputies Responded To Unconscious Child At Blue Lake Park (Photo) -03/28/25

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:47 a.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies and firefighters from the Gresham Fire Department responded to Blue Lake Park in Fairview for the report of a child not breathing and unconscious. Responders performed CPR and were able to revive the child. The child was taken to Randels Children’s Hospital and is currently in critical condition.
 

In any incident of this nature involving a child, the East County Major Crimes Team (MCT) is conducting an investigation.
 

The MCT includes investigators from MCSO, Gresham Police, Port of Portland Police, Oregon State Police and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
 

No further comment will be provided at this time.