Update: Community tips lead to arrest of suspect in Halloween disturbance

After receiving multiple tips from the community, police have identified the suspect in a Halloween altercation at a Gresham drive-thru as 64-year-old David Mead Sr. Officers located and arrested Mead in the early evening of November 5.

Through their investigation, officers determined the weapon Mead brandished was a compressed-air powered device designed to fire irritant or kinetic projectiles. The design, coloration, and operation of the device mimic a firearm. While it is not illegal to possess this kind of self-defense tool, displaying it or any replica firearm during a dispute can cause the situation to escalate and may lead to criminal charges.

Mead was booked into Multnomah County Jail, where he faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of menacing.

The Gresham Police Department would like to thank our community and media partners for their assistance with this investigation.

11/4/2025: Suspect pulls gun on Taco Bell drive-thru customers in Gresham

Gresham Police are asking for assistance from the public identifying a suspect who attempted to cut in line a restaurant drive-thru then threatened other patrons with a gun.

On Halloween night, customers at the Gresham Taco Bell reported seeing an angry subject banging on the doors to the restaurant. The suspect then got in his truck and attempted to cut around the line of traffic waiting for the drive-thru window. When other customers told the suspect to go to the back of the line, he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at a car occupied by two adults and a young child.

The suspect was wearing a black jacket with a badge, possibly for a private security company. He was driving a gray Ford F150 with a camper shell and Oregon Cultural Trust license plates.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect can contact the lead investigator, Officer Justin Dennard, at [email protected]. The suspect should be considered armed and should not be approached by members of the public. Anyone who sees him should call 911.