Students at Portland Community College's Rock Creek campus were on edge this week after a woman reported being sexually harassed by a teen on an electric bike late Saturday night. The college sent out a campus-wide safety alert describing an “assault involving unwanted sexual contact,” and officials say they are working with law enforcement as the Washington County Sheriff's Office investigates. The report has unsettled students who say groups of e-bike riders have been spotted circling the area before.
What the college alert says
According to a safety alert emailed to students on Wednesday, PCC Public Safety said the incident happened around 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. A female student reported that a male, riding with a group of others on e-bikes, grabbed her without consent and tried to tear her shirt. The notice added that similar groups of riders have been seen on campus multiple times in the past. The sheriff's office confirmed it is investigating but declined to release more details because the suspects are believed to be juveniles, according to KATU.
Neighborhood reports and patrols
The college says it is working with law enforcement and preparing to step up patrols around Rock Creek. Neighbors in parts of Washington County have recently complained about kids on what looked like e-bikes or small motorbikes riding recklessly and getting into dangerous close calls, according to KOIN 6 News, though authorities told the station they cannot say yet whether those groups are tied to what happened at PCC. The broader reporting puts the campus warning into a wider Bethany-area concern about fast-moving, occasionally reckless riders.
Students express alarm
Students told reporters the alert was unnerving and a sharp reminder to stay aware on campus, especially at night. “I got the email last night and I was immediately concerned,” PCC student Mohammed Ishtiwi said, while student Mina Enquist noted she was particularly worried because she has Saturday classes, per KATU. Several students said they want regular updates from both the college and the sheriff's office as the investigation moves forward.
How to report and where to find help
PCC is asking anyone with information, video, or related concerns to contact Public Safety, or call 911 in an emergency. PCC's Public Safety lists its emergency number as 971-722-4444 and its non-emergency line as 971-722-4902. The college's reporting page outlines confidential advocacy and counseling resources, along with Title IX reporting options. Washington County's non-emergency dispatch number is 503-629-0111, per PCC. Students are encouraged to sign up for PCC Alerts so they receive quick notifications about campus safety issues.
Investigation status and next steps
Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff's Office are actively investigating and asking the public to share any tips. Local coverage notes that the agency has not said whether any riders reported elsewhere are linked to the Rock Creek case. The college says it is coordinating closely with WCSO and reviewing patrol coverage while investigators follow leads, according to KOIN 6 News. Anyone with information is urged to contact Washington County dispatch or PCC Public Safety directly.
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