Explosion During Traffic Stop; No Known Further Threat to Public Safety

FBI Portland
11 October 2017

Beth Anne Steele
(503) 460-8099

Starting this morning, the FBI and other partner agencies served a sealed federal search warrant related to possible explosives at an apartment located at 18840 NW Rock Creek Circle in Washington County. That search is on-going.

At approximately 3:56 pm, FBI task force officers with Washington County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police attempted a traffic stop near NW 185th Avenue and NW Rock Creek Boulevard. The driver, believed to be the resident of the apartment being searched, did not stop. A brief pursuit began, but ended quickly. There appeared to be a small explosion inside the vehicle. The suspect exited the vehicle, and officers took him into custody for a probation violation. Investigators and prosecutors will determine any other possible charges in the future.

A Washington County Sheriff's Deputy who was approaching the vehicle as the explosion occurred has been transferred to a local hospital for evaluation. The suspect was also transferred to a local hospital for evaluation.

At this time, there is no known threat to public safety.

Partner agencies involved in today's search included Portland Police Bureau; Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU); Oregon State Police; Washington County Sheriff's Office; Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Environmental Protection Agency; and Washington County Animal Control.