Officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Central and East Precincts have responded to four incidents that started Saturday, November 24, at 8:25 p.m. to Monday, November 26, 2018, at 12:25 a.m., regarding a suspect reportedly poking community members with a thin metal object.
Based on information gathered at this time, officers have learned a suspect matching the same description was involved in the following incidents:
Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 8:25 p.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 35th Avenue;
Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 11:13 p.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and Southeast 36th Avenue;
Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 3:45 p.m., near Southeast Ankeny Street and Southeast 20th Avenue; and
Monday, November 26, 2108, at 12:25 a.m., near Southeast Hawthorne Street and Southeast 40th Avenue
The suspect believed to be involved in multiple incidents in which community members reported being poked by a suspect with a slender rigid metal object has been identified as 37-year-old Justin C. Venable. Venable is described as a white male, 6'1" tall, 170 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.
Officers continue to search for Venable. Anyone who sees Venable should not approach him, but immediately call 9-1-1. Anyone with information regarding Venable, including where he may be located should contact Officer William Green at 503-823-0344 or William.Green@portlandoregon.gov