Recent public safety incidents in Gresham have raised concerns among residents, particularly following the discovery of firearms and suspected drugs near Davis Elementary School. In late April, deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office conducted a proactive patrol in the early morning hours and encountered a vehicle parked in a fire lane near the entrance to Davis Park, located just north of the school. Inside the vehicle were four individuals under the age of 21, along with open containers of alcohol and signs of drug use. The deputies seized three firearms, ammunition, and various substances suspected to be fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as items commonly associated with drug distribution.
Community members have expressed shock and concern over this incident. Neighbor Jack Tibbetts noted that while the area had faced challenges after the pandemic, it had been improving in recent years. He mentioned occasional encampments that are typically removed promptly and a decrease in abandoned vehicles. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this seizure is part of ongoing efforts to proactively address illegal firearms possession and drug activity in the community.
In a separate incident earlier this year, Gresham Police responded to two reports of gunfire on the evening of January 26. The first incident, around 6:30 pm, involved gunfire in the 18500 block of SE Yamhill Circle, resulting in damage to a vehicle. The suspects fled before officers arrived, and the investigation is ongoing. The second incident, around 11:00 pm, involved a report of a single gunshot near an apartment complex in the 100 block of SE 188th Avenue, with witnesses reporting juvenile males running through the area.
These incidents have heightened community concerns about public safety, especially in areas close to schools and residential neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities to help maintain the safety and well-being of the community.