Cars being 'warmed up' targeted for theft, police say

Portland Police investigate near SE 137th Avenue following reports on Dec. 27 in Pleasant Valley

An unattended car was the target of alleged auto thieves — and Portland Police say one suspect fired a shot after a bystander intervened.

Officers responded to a home in the 6400 block of Southeast 138th Place in Portland's Pleasant Valley neighborhood following reports of a motor theft and gunfire around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27.

According to a news release, three suspects arrived in the area in a stolen car and then attempted to steal an unoccupied 2013 Volkswagen Beetle that "was running and being warmed up" in the 6500 block of Southeast 139th Avenue.

A community member confronted one of the suspects, causing the person to run from the vehicle and fire a gun. Officers found evidence of gunfire a few blocks away.

Police say the suspects arrived in the area in a 2017 Volkswagen Passat, which had previously been reported stolen to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

The Passat was recovered near Southeast 137th Avenue and Foster Road.