Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested Following Crime Spree

One person is in custody following a crime spree in Southeast Portland.

Since late June, detectives with the Portland Police Bureau's Major Crimes Unit have been investigating seven armed robberies in Southeast Portland.

June 23, 2025 - coffee shop in the 4000 block of Southeast 26^th Avenue

July 16, 2025 - fast food restaurant in 4000 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard

July 29, 2025 - discount store in 6000 block of Southeast Foster Street

August 25, 2025 - fast food restaurant in the 5000 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard

August 27, 2025 - gas station in 5000 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard

September 2, 2025 - coffee shop in 3000 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard

September 4, 2025 - dispensary in 4000 block of Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard

Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed numerous leads, including a suspect vehicle.

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, a PPB officer located a vehicle believed to have been used in some of the armed robberies. With assistance from Air Support Unit Air 1, officers conducted a traffic stop and took the suspect into custody.

The suspect is identified as Justin P. Christiansen, 49, of Portland. He was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charges: Robbery in the First Degree (six counts), and Robbery in the Second Degree (six counts).

Search warrants were executed on Christiansen's vehicle and residence. Inside the vehicle, officers located what appeared to be an explosive device. The Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded and determined it was a hoax device.

Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office will review the case, including the potential charge of Possession of a Hoax Explosive Device.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out via [email protected].

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