Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested Monday Afternoon -- Attacked Victim in Home
Portland Police Bureau - 09/11/18
On Monday, September 10, 2018, at 2:55 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a burglary at an apartment in the 16000 block of Southeast Stark Street.
Officers arrived at the location and learned the suspect was inside the apartment with one of the residents. Officers heard the female resident call for help from inside the location. They immediately entered the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident and ensured the adult female victim was safe.
Based on preliminary information, investigators believe the suspect entered the apartment through an unlocked door. At the time the suspect entered the apartment there were two residents in the location. One of the residents of the apartment confronted the suspect and instructed him to leave, but he remained in the location. The resident fled the apartment and contacted a nearby community member, requesting to use a phone to contact 9-1-1, as well as help for the woman stuck inside the apartment with the suspect. While inside the apartment and prior to police arrival the suspect reportedly sexually assaulted the victim inside the apartment.
Members with the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Sex Crimes Unit responded to lead the investigation.
The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Damascus L. Menefee. Menefee was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Assault in the Fourth Degree (two counts), Assault in the Second Degree, Strangulation (two counts), Rape in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Trespass in the First Degree, Interfering with Making a Report and a Parole Violation for a previous conviction of Robbery in the First Degree.
Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional information will be released in this case.
Anyone with information about Menefee is asked to contact Detective Michael Bledsoe at 503-823-0836, Michael.Bledsoe@portlandoregon.gov
Stranger-to-stranger sexual assaults fortunately are a rare occurrence.
The Portland Police Bureau collaborates with government agencies and community organizations that provide access to advocacy services to victims of sexual assaults.
A victim may be accompanied by a sexual assault advocate or other appropriate support person during the reporting process and/or criminal investigation.
Multnomah County Victims' Assistance Program: Provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults and referrals to victim services and resources: 503-988-3270.
Call to Safety (formerly the Portland Women's Crisis Line): Provides access to advocacy services, including confidential peer support, information and referrals to community resources. 24 hour crisis line: 503-235-5333, 1-888-235-5333, or https://calltosafety.org/
Project UNICA (Proyecto UNICA): Provides access to advocacy services for Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 24 hour crisis line: 503-232-4448, or 1-888-232-4448.
Additionally, the Portland Police Bureau Strength programs provide free self-defense classes and personal safety workshops to people around the Portland area.
To learn more information about these programs, call 503-823-0260 or visit http://www.portlandonline.com/police/womenstrength
On Monday, September 10, 2018, at 2:55 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to the report of a burglary at an apartment in the 16000 block of Southeast Stark Street.
Officers arrived at the location and learned the suspect was inside the apartment with one of the residents. Officers heard the female resident call for help from inside the location. They immediately entered the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident and ensured the adult female victim was safe.
Based on preliminary information, investigators believe the suspect entered the apartment through an unlocked door. At the time the suspect entered the apartment there were two residents in the location. One of the residents of the apartment confronted the suspect and instructed him to leave, but he remained in the location. The resident fled the apartment and contacted a nearby community member, requesting to use a phone to contact 9-1-1, as well as help for the woman stuck inside the apartment with the suspect. While inside the apartment and prior to police arrival the suspect reportedly sexually assaulted the victim inside the apartment.
Members with the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Sex Crimes Unit responded to lead the investigation.
The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Damascus L. Menefee. Menefee was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Assault in the Fourth Degree (two counts), Assault in the Second Degree, Strangulation (two counts), Rape in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Trespass in the First Degree, Interfering with Making a Report and a Parole Violation for a previous conviction of Robbery in the First Degree.
Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional information will be released in this case.
Anyone with information about Menefee is asked to contact Detective Michael Bledsoe at 503-823-0836, Michael.Bledsoe@portlandoregon.gov
Stranger-to-stranger sexual assaults fortunately are a rare occurrence.
The Portland Police Bureau collaborates with government agencies and community organizations that provide access to advocacy services to victims of sexual assaults.
A victim may be accompanied by a sexual assault advocate or other appropriate support person during the reporting process and/or criminal investigation.
Multnomah County Victims' Assistance Program: Provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults and referrals to victim services and resources: 503-988-3270.
Call to Safety (formerly the Portland Women's Crisis Line): Provides access to advocacy services, including confidential peer support, information and referrals to community resources. 24 hour crisis line: 503-235-5333, 1-888-235-5333, or https://calltosafety.org/
Project UNICA (Proyecto UNICA): Provides access to advocacy services for Spanish-speaking survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 24 hour crisis line: 503-232-4448, or 1-888-232-4448.
Additionally, the Portland Police Bureau Strength programs provide free self-defense classes and personal safety workshops to people around the Portland area.
To learn more information about these programs, call 503-823-0260 or visit http://www.portlandonline.com/police/womenstrength
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