PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two felons face numerous charges after an armed robbery at a Southeast Portland bar on Sunday, one of two incidents in that time frame police are currently investigating.
Jordan Ray McClure and Jeramy Thomas were arrested not long after the Daily Planet on Southeast Powell Boulevard was held up. Witnesses were key to police making a quick arrest.
One witness provided a description of a car they allegedly use to flee after the robbery. After a short pursuit, police said the suspects ran before being caught and arrested.
Bartender Valerie Mortenson told KOIN 6 News her co-worker was there when the Daily Planet was robbed.
“She was far enough (away) at the bar that she able to make that call (to 911), in the kitchen basically, and then moved outside,” she said. “She learned from customers and she had seen that he had taken our till and thrown it on the ground along with our computer.”
In the other incident, 4 suspects used a vehicle to ram the doors of My Way Lounge to get into the building. But authorities and the building owner believe the loud alarm scared off the intruders.
Mortenson said they’re tired of the crime in their neighborhood.
“It’s just really prevalent and out in the open now,” she said. “It’s just a shocker with crime. Not just the drug use, the anger, the violence. Everything that happened here. We’re sick of it.”
Portland police officials said budget concerns, staffing issues and a rise in homicides has curtailed their burglary unit with detectives dedicated to burglary investigations.
McClure, 22, and Thomas, 47 are both charged with 1st-degree robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm and an unrelated warrant. Thomas was also charged with possession of a firearm, reckless driving and attempting to elude by vehicle.
Valerie Mortenson noted it’s the holiday season and she hopes everyone demonstrates kindness. But, she added, “We’ve had enough of this.”
