The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community after a 79-year-old man lost $40,000 to scammers posting as law enforcement. The scammers claimed he had missed jury duty and needed to pay a fine to avoid arrest. They pressured him into withdrawing money from his bank and depositing it into a bitcoin machine. ⚠️Remember law enforcement will NEVER demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest. If you receive a suspicious call: 🔹HANG UP. Don’t provide personal information or payment. 🔹VERIFY. Contact the agency directly using its official phone number. 🔹DON’T PAY. Never send money through bitcoin machines, gift cards or wire transfers at the caller’s direction. 🔹TALK TO SOMEONE. Scammers use fear and secrecy to keep victims from asking questions. Please share this warning with your friends and family, especially older adults who may be targeted. When in doubt, HANG UP and NEVER PAY UP! Read more about Steven's story: mcso.us/public-information/m… #MultCoSo #Scam #PublicSafety #SafetyAlert

It was a busy 24 hours heading into the weekend for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue (SAR) team! SAR volunteers responded to two separate rescue missions near Horsetail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge after four hikers became lost in rugged, dangerous terrain. In both incidents, hikers attempted to navigate portions of the closed Rock of Ages trail. Reliance on a popular hiking app led one of the pairs into an immensely hazardous location that took searchers nearly 6 hours to get to. Thanks to the dedication of our SAR coordinators and volunteers, all four hikers were safely rescued! Heading out for a hike? Stay on open, maintained trails, use official sources to check conditions before you go and remember hiking apps may not always reflect closures or hazards. A big thank you to our SAR volunteers for answering the call – twice! READ ONLINE: mcso.us/public-information/m… #MultCoSo #searchandrescue #hiking

🚔We recently rode along with MCSO Sgt. White during a traffic enforcement mission in Troutdale! Throughout the one-day operation, deputies conducted 21 traffic stops and issued 12 citations for traffic violations. These targeted enforcement efforts are part of MCSO’s ongoing commitment to improving traffic safety and keeping our roads safe for everyone. 👀Take a look at our ride-along! #MultCoSo #TrafficSafety #PublicSafety #Troutdale #TroutdaleOR #Lawenforcement

A traffic stop in Salem led to the seizure of 200lbs of methamphetamine and $1,521 in cash. On October 15, MCSO’s Dangerous Drug Team working with the FBI, Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team and Oregon State Police, stopped a vehicle on I-5. An MCSO drug detection K-9 alerted to possible drugs inside. Two people were arrested on federal drug charges. This operation highlights the importance of multiagency collaboration in disrupting drug trafficking and keeping dangerous drugs out of our communities. READ ONLINE: mcso.us/public-information/m… #MultCoSo #PublicSafety #DrugEnforcement

A statement from the Sheriff:

📢The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is inviting stakeholders to review and provide feedback on a proposed policy governing the confidentiality and disclosure of concealed handgun license records in accordance with state law. 🗓The public review period is today, October 13, through November 12, 2026. Read the news release: mcso.us/public-information/s…

!!UPDATE!! The scene is now clear, all roads have reopened, and Max service has been restored. Thank you for your patience while crews worked to safely resolve the incident. _____________ We’re responding to a Max train versus vehicle at the intersection of N Interstate Ave. and N Alberta St. in Portland. The driver of the vehicle has been transported to the hospital with what’s believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. MAX yellow line service is disrupted, and N. Alberta is closed in both directions at N. Interstate. N. Interstate is open in both directions. #TrafficAlert #multcoso

!!UPDATE!! Connie Bender has been found and is safe. His family has been notified. Thank you to everyone who shared our post and helped spread the word. _ The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating 74-year-old Connie G. Bender. Bender’s car, a blue/gray Toyota Corolla with AZ license plate #ZJA7DV, was found abandoned at 5605 NE Sundial Rd. in Troutdale. It had front end damage and personal property inside. Bender has medical needs and is considered endangered. Anyone who sees Connie Bender or has information about his whereabouts, is asked to call 911 and reference case # 26-46020. Please share and help us bring Connie Bender home safely. #MultCoSo #MissingPerson