A late-night video-poker win in Scappoose reportedly turned into a chaotic scare on Tuesday when, according to police, a man tried to rob a patron who had just walked away with about $1,000 in winnings. The attempted armed robbery, which happened around 10:30 p.m., left the winner shaken but not hurt and ended with multiple shots fired into the air as the suspect ran off, investigators said. Officers later connected the case to a crashed vehicle and identified a person of interest who is now being sought outside Oregon.
In a detailed post on its official Facebook page, the City of Scappoose said officers have identified Manuel Magana-Moon as the person of interest in the investigation. Police say he faces potential charges of attempted robbery in the first degree, menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct, listed under SPD case #260032928. According to the post, the suspect allegedly fired several rounds while fleeing the scene, then left the state before officers could arrest him. St. Helens police later found a crashed vehicle that matched the suspect’s description, and Scappoose officers served a search warrant on that car and reported finding spent shell casings, ammunition and firearm-related accessories. City of Scappoose - Government
Charges and what they mean
Scappoose police listed attempted robbery in the first degree among the potential charges. Under Oregon law, robbery in the first degree is defined in Oregon Legislature statutes and is treated as a serious felony offense. Any sentence would depend on what charges prosecutors ultimately file and prove, as well as any weapon enhancements and the defendant’s prior record, so a conviction could carry several years in prison if top-level counts are pursued. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case and decide what, if any, formal charges to bring.
Police ask for tips
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the Scappoose Police Department or the Columbia County Communications Center at (503) 397-1521. Officials emphasize that the suspect should be treated as dangerous if seen and urge the public to call law enforcement instead of intervening. For official contact details, see the Scappoose Police Department directory and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office communications center.
