A quiet Northeast Portland block briefly turned into a police staging ground Friday after officers say a 39-year-old man tried to hide from them under a woman’s porch. Police surrounded the area, swept through nearby yards and crawl spaces, and ultimately arrested the suspect without anyone in the neighborhood getting hurt. Authorities later identified him as Emmate Epps, 39, and said he is now facing multiple charges tied to the incident.
According to KOIN, neighbors first called in the trouble after hearing a fence gate open, then spotting people cutting through a backyard near Northeast 8th Avenue and Northeast Siskiyou Street. Officers brought in a K-9 unit to help track the suspect and activated the city’s public alert system, telling residents to stay inside and keep doors and windows locked while they searched.
Police Response And Search
Portland Police said officers quickly set up a perimeter in the neighborhood, then went yard to yard checking under porches and in crawl spaces. Investigators say the suspect cut his hand after breaking a window, a detail that helped officers track him before they finally found him tucked beneath a porch. He was taken into custody at the scene without further incident, according to the bureau, which has not yet released additional details about the broader investigation.
Neighbors Recount A Tense Afternoon
Neighbors said the search made for an anxious few minutes on an otherwise ordinary day. Pan Sammons told KOIN she “could hear my fence gate opening” before realizing something was off. Later, after seeing the K-9 unit help bring the situation under control, she said she wished she “could have come out and kiss that dog.” Many residents stayed inside until officers gave the all-clear.
Charges And Next Steps
Portland Police said Epps is facing attempted burglary, criminal mischief and harassment charges in connection with the incident. The bureau has asked anyone with additional information to contact investigators. It was not immediately clear when Epps would be arraigned or whether bond had been set.
