Escape Bar & Grill, an established LGBTQ+ hub on Northeast Sandy Boulevard in Portland for over a decade, is grappling with an alarming string of break-ins and vandalism. The establishment's owner, Jennifer Davis, and her wife have been confronting a challenging period as thieves have targeted their bar three times since October, causing extensive damage. According to a KGW report, the break-ins have shattered windows and inflicted harm to the bar's interior, bringing a sense of dismay to owners and patrons alike.
The recurrent break-ins at Escape Bar & Grill have tabulated damages to the tune of $12,000, with the burglars smashing windows, setting furniture ablaze, and even attempting to rob the ATM, as reported by KOIN 6 News. This spate of crimes has left the community looking for answers and action, while the bar's response has been resilience, with Davis insisting on keeping the establishment’s doors open for the sake of her patrons.
The local community has rallied behind the Escape, looking to local leadership for a response to the concerning trend of break-ins targeting the safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. "It's just a lot of disappointment and anger. There's fear,” expressed Ross in a dialogue captured by KATU, highlighting the emotional toll these incidents have taken and the expectation placed on authorities to prioritize the security and well-being of places such as the Escape Bar & Grill as part of the Portland fabric.
