Update: 30-year-old Jared Walter was arrested Wednesday night near Southeast 82nd and Cora Street after witnesses called 911 to report seeing him. They chased him into a neighborhood where police found and arrested him.
Original Story:
The Transit Police Division is asking for the public's help to locate 30-year-old Jared Weston Walter, a registered sex offender, after police received a report of a man cutting a woman's hair on a TriMet bus then fleeing the area. Walter has been previously investigated, charged and convicted for similar activity and targets females of all ages.
TriMet is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Walter.
Walter is believed to be in the Portland metro area and is not believed to have a fixed address. Surveillance images from May 1, 2017, and 2017 booking photos are being released to aid in this investigation.
"We will not tolerate this type of behavior on our transit system," said Harry Saporta, TriMet Executive Director of Safety and Security. "As this individual has clearly shown he will continue to re-offend despite repercussions, we will work closely with Transit Police and the District Attorney's Office to find this individual and seek the harshest penalty possible. And, while our maximum exclusion is six months, we are exploring a long-term ban that will keep this individual off TriMet vehicles and property once he is caught. We, along with Transit Police, are dedicated to assuring a safe system for all of our riders."
TriMet encourages all riders to be aware of their surroundings and if they see something suspicious, to say something to a TriMet employee of by calling 9-1-1. During emergencies that are in progress and a voice call would bring attention, riders can text 9-1-1.
Anyone seeing Walter should immediately call 9-1-1. Anyone with non-emergency information about Walter or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Walter's behavior should contact Transit Police at 503-962-7566 or CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov