Portland's Pearl District, known for its bustling commerce and upscale shopping, has been hit by a series of thefts culminating in the recent arrest of two individuals. On December 9, local officers from Central Precinct’s Neighborhood Response Team, along with Loss Prevention staff from the retail store Lululemon, apprehended the suspects following the discovery of stolen goods being sold online.
Utilizing Facebook Marketplace as a platform, one of the accused was identified attempting to make a sale. Responding to the advertisement, officers arranged to meet with the seller on Northwest 19th Avenue, where they took Tyler J. West, 33, and Alexander W. Dunham, 28, both of Portland, into custody. The pair face multiple charges; West awaits trial for charges including theft in the first degree and computer crime, while Dunham faces similar theft charges, on the top of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the Portland Police Bureau's press release, the coordinated effort led to the recovery of over $12,000 worth of merchandise, all lifted from the same Lululemon location on Northwest Couch Street. In a total of five incidents, starting in mid-November, West and Dunham managed to carry out a string of thefts before being caught by law enforcement.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day remarked on the case's importance, highlighting the partnership between the community and the police force. "This case highlights the power of collaboration between police and the public," Chief Day said. He emphasized the impact such teamwork has on crime reduction, community safety, and altering the public's relationship with the police.
The Portland Police Bureau continues to advocate for the public's involvement in crime prevention and encourages anyone with information on similar incidents to come forward.
