PPB's Air Support Unit Helps Officers Safely Apprehend Two Suspects in Separate Incidents

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On Monday, May 11, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers responded to what was initially reported as a carjacking in the area of Southwest 4th Avenue and Southwest Washington Street. The Air Support Unit quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling on Interstate 84 and tracked its direction of travel from the air.

The vehicle eventually stopped near Northeast 97th Avenue and East Burnside Street, where officers arrested 41-year-old Javier Rodriguez. Rodriguez was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) and lodged on the following charges: Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Entry of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Through the investigation, officers determined the incident was not a carjacking, but rather a crime of opportunity in which the suspect entered the vehicle after the owner exited and walked away.

A short time later, at approximately 10:30 p.m., an officer observed a moped being driven recklessly near Southeast Powell Boulevard and Southeast 86th Avenue. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the moped sped away. Once again, the Air Support Unit assisted by tracking the vehicle from the air as it traveled several miles through Southeast Portland. During this time, the moped reportedly drove into the path of oncoming traffic and narrowly missed several other vehicles. The moped eventually stopped near Southeast Glenwood Street and Southeast 97th Avenue, where officers arrested 33-year-old Aaron J. Bell. The individual was transported to MCDC and lodged on the following charges: Attempt to Elude by Vehicle and Reckless Driving.

"These incidents highlight the tremendous value of our Air Support Unit and the important role it plays in helping officers safely apprehend suspects while reducing risks to the public," Chief Bob Day said. "The professionalism and coordination between our officers and ASU helped bring both events to a safe conclusion."

About the Air Support Unit:

PPB's Air Support Unit was established in 1990, and provides fixed wing air support to all units within the Portland Police Bureau, as well as service to many surrounding agencies. This service and support is not limited to other law enforcement agencies, but also to other city bureaus, fire departments, search and rescue and federal agencies.

In 2025, ASU responded to 1,221 total calls and flew 882 hours. Its average dispatch to on scene was 1.5 minutes. ASU also helped support 59 patrol missions, 6 Stolen Vehicle Operations (SVO) missions, 4 illegal speed racing missions and 6 Retail Theft Missions. Due to its involvement 48 firearms were seized, 285 persons were arrested.

Read more about the Air Support Unit.

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