Portland was once considered the most dangerous post city in the world in terms of crime rate. However, over the years, the city has made significant improvements in public safety and crime prevention measures. Today, Portland is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and thriving food scene. But what if I tell you that it is still not as safe as you think it is?
In 2023, 73 homicide cases were recorded in the Portland police department. One of them took place at the 2800 Block Of Southeast Colt Drive. It was a horrible incident that shocked the community and served as a reminder that despite progress, crime still remains a concern in Portland. If you want to learn more about the murder and its investigation, keep reading this blog.
2800 Block Of Southeast Colt Drive–Safe or Unsafe?
Southeast Colt Drive in Portland is a street located in the southeastern part of the city. It’s part of the Portland metropolitan area. It is a residential area which is secure for families. The reputation of this area was excellent, and many families used to shift there until a homicide occurred in the parking area of 2800 Block Of Southeast Colt Drive.
This incident has raised concerns among Portland citizens about the safety of this area. In general, no area is specifically safe from crimes because crime can happen anywhere, but residents need to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Local authorities should increase surveillance and security measures in the area to prevent further incidents.
The Crime Scene At Southeast Colt Drive
The details of the crime at 2800 Block of Southeast Colt Drive will shake you to the core. A 28-year-old woman named Nicole Newcomb-Cripea got shot on April 15, 2023, in the parking lot of Southeast Colt Drive. Police arrived there to an anonymous report about a shooting in the area. The victim was found dead after the police arrived.
They asked about the victim’s details to neighbors and got to know that she lived there and was a mother of two– a 6-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) started the investigation immediately, and as of now, they have discovered some ugly truths about the murder. We’ll discuss it later in this blog.
What’s The Witnesses Say About The Homicide?
During this unfortunate homicide, neighbors witnessed it. Some heard the shot sound, and one of the neighbors saw a man running away. Valen Cole and Audrey Sabol, who live in the Wimbledon apartments, heard gunshots. Valen Cole said it sounded like “pop, pop,” followed by a pause, and then “pop, pop, pop” three times after.
They went outside to see what was going on. They met a lady who tried to help the person who got shot. The lady said she held her until she died.
The police had to break into Valen Cole’s apartment because her kids were still inside. They were worried if the kids saw something terrible. Cole hoped they didn’t. The police talked with the kids, and they continuously asked for their mom.
People on the Nextdoor app said they saw a man running away after the gunshots with his hands inside his pocket. This man could be the culprit of this horrible crime. But the witness wasn’t sure.
After everything, Valen Cole felt worried. She said Portland wasn’t safe anymore. She said things were getting worse and closer to home. It means that this crime affected the overall reputation of the area as well as the country.
Investigation of “2800 Block Of Southeast Colt Drive” Crime
Police started the investigation and closed the Southeast Colt Drive between Southeast 26th Avenue and Southeast 30th Avenue for one day. Two talented detectives of the Portland Police Homicide Unit, Jennifer Hertzler and Joe Corona, handled this case.
After a lot of effort, the detectives suspected a man named Adam Jamal Burns, who was 29 years old. The suspect knows Nicole Newcomb-Cripea. The authorities issued an arrest warrant for him, and the US marshal arrested him with the help of the Vancouver police department in May 2023.
Adam Jamal Burns was charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The police said he would stay in Washington until they sent him back to Oregon. We don’t know about the further investigation as police haven’t disclosed it.
Community Support Grows After Tragic Incident
Everyone who knew the victim said good things about her, and the incident disturbed them. People left flower petals where the woman was shot to show they cared. One of the victim’s friends started to raise funds for the funeral arrangements and family care using GoFundMe. Not much is known about what happened to the children after all of this chaos.
What’s the Crime Rate of Portland?
Portland’s crime rates have fluctuated over the years and have been influenced by various factors. While it’s generally considered safer than many other big cities in the United States, crime levels can vary across different neighborhoods. In recent years, there has been increased concern about specific types of crimes like property crime and, at times, violent crime. The city has also faced challenges related to homelessness and drug addiction, which can contribute to certain types of crime.
Efforts by law enforcement and community organizations continue to address these issues. Therefore, the police recorded 73 homicides in 2023, which was 22 fewer than the record of 95 homicides in 2022.
Crime Prevention Measures In Portland
Portland does a lot to stop crime and keep people safe. They have police who work closely with communities. People watch out for each other in neighborhoods and tell the police if they see anything suspicious. They also put up more lights and cameras in places where crime happens more.
Portland helps young people stay away from crime by giving them support and things to do. They try to understand why people might turn to crime and help them before it happens. Portland wants everyone to feel safe and be part of making their city a better place.