UPDATE: STOLEN MOVING TRUCK AND TRAILER LOCATED THANKS TO KEEN EYE OF NEIGHBOR

Multnomah Co. Sheriff's Office

UPDATE:

Around 8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 24, a Gresham resident reported the stolen moving trailer was parked in front of a detached garage at an apartment complex, located in the 2800 block of NE Rene Avenue. The caller reported seeing a social media post about the theft, which occurred at a Troutdale hotel the night before. He also told dispatchers that he saw a man near the trailer, possibly in the act of unloading items into the garage.

Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies and Gresham Police officers responded and located the stolen trailer, the couple’s belongings and a man believed to be the suspect. Deputies took the suspect, 49-year-old Joseph Damon Patterson, into custody. Inside the garage, deputies located many of the items reported stolen by the couple. Deputies also found the silver SUV used by the suspect during the theft. Patterson was charged with aggravated theft in the first degree and was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center at 10:25 p.m.

A search warrant was issued to allow deputies to search the suspect’s vehicle. Inside the vehicle, deputies located more stolen items and a handgun (see attached photo). While processing items at the scene Friday morning, deputies learned Patterson was released from jail and was returning to the location to pick up the silver SUV. When Patterson arrived, deputies re-arrested him on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Patterson was booked Friday morning at 6 a.m., and remains in custody at the publishing time of this press release.

The criminal justice system is a shared responsibility. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for managing booking criteria and jail operations. All questions pertaining to release should be directed to the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Later in the morning, the U-Haul truck was located near NE 18^th Ct. and NE Kane Dr. in Gresham. The truck contained more of the couple’s belongings.

The couple reported being “thrilled” and said the majority of their belongings were found. They stated they are very appreciative of the public’s care and attention to their case.

We want to thank the public for their vigilance and the media for bringing attention to this crime. We also want to acknowledge the Gresham Police Department for their assistance.

The investigation continues at this time, and additional charges may be filed.