Oregon City Police

We’re excited to partner once again with Oregon City Together to host a community forum on fentanyl and other drugs on May 4 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. This forum is an opportunity to learn more about the steps our department is taking to address the serious impacts of fentanyl in our community and to hear directly from those working on the front lines of prevention and support. We hope you’ll join us and be part of this important conversation.

The Oregon City Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating 11-year-old Madeline Cornwell. Madeline was last seen by a friend yesterday, February 24th, after school around 6:00 p.m. in the 1200 block of Jackson St. in Oregon City. Madeline is about 5 feet tall, 90 pounds, with short brown and bright red hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt with black leggings and a black backpack with embroidered roses. Madeline could possibly be heading to Portland, but is not familiar with public transportation. If you see Madeline, please call 911 and reference OCPD case # 26-003525

2025 Employee of the Year - Senior Records Specialist Jessica Mott In early 2025, the department faced budget reductions that led to the elimination of one records position for the 2025–2027 biennium. This left the records team with only two staff members and no option to hire for the third unfilled position. Following the resignation of a Records Unit employee in July, Records Specialist Jessica Mott was left as the sole records employee for several months. The Records Unit carries an enormous and often unseen workload that is essential not only for daily police operations but also to support external agencies and community partners. The breadth of responsibility was extensive —yet Jessica stepped into this challenge without hesitation. Since her promotion to Senior Records Specialist in the summer of 2025, Jessica has consistently demonstrated an exceptional work ethic. She is dependable, engaged, and remarkably consistent in both the quality of her work and her attendance. Jessica is personable and approachable, always welcoming questions and offering thoughtful answers. She is the kind of colleague who checks in on you as a person, not just an employee, and she brings a spirit of collaboration to every task and team interaction. Despite a current backlog of more than 1,700 reports awaiting transcription, Jessica has tackled the challenge with positivity, professionalism, and grace. Not only did she manage the demanding workload, but she also stepped up to train a newly hired records specialist and a retired sergeant brought on part-time to help reduce the backlog. Her performance during this extremely challenging period reflects not only her technical knowledge and skill but also her resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Jessica embodies what it means to be an exceptional employee. Her contributions this past year have had a profound impact on our department’s ability to function smoothly during an extremely challenging time, and she continues to serve as a role model for her peers. For her exceptional service this past year, Senior Records Specialist Jessica Mott is being awarded our 2025 Employee of the Year.

Lifesaving Award - James Kanalz On November 7th, 2025, at 10:35pm, Officers Ben Griffin and James Kanalz were dispatched to assist Clackamas County Fire on a house fire at 126 Cherry Lane. The call indicated there was a fire on the back porch of the residence. Both Officers Griffin and Kanalz were dispatched to the location due to a hazard flag at the residence, which indicated a male living there, who was identified as Wesley Demoss, had been hostile towards first responders. As Officer Griffin and Officer Kanalz were responding to the location, they learned Mr. Demoss was on parole for strangling his wife, who was identified as Karen Demoss. It was further learned that Mr. Demoss was the respondent in a restraining order, which prohibited him from being at the residence or having contact with Mrs. Demoss. Officer Griffin and Officer Kanalz arrived at the location with CCFD personnel and found the back side of the residence fully engulfed in flames. Karen Demoss had escaped the fire and was lying in the neighbor’s driveway across the street. Officer Griffin initially saw that Mrs. Demoss was conscious. It was unknown if Mr. Demoss had been at the residence, and several of the neighbors indicated that Mr. Demoss had threatened to burn the house down in the past. CCFD personnel started to attack the fire, while Officer Griffin and Officer Kanalz stayed with Mrs. Demoss. During this time, Officer Griffin realized that Mrs. Demoss was no longer conscious, and her face was starting to turn purple. Officer Griffin checked Mrs. Demoss and realized she did not have a pulse. Officer Griffin started CPR on Mrs. Demoss while Officer Kanalz advised dispatch that they needed medical personnel to their location. Officer Griffin continued to do CPR on Mrs. Demoss for several minutes while CCFD personnel started to care for her. During this time, the house had become fully engulfed with fire.. It was also unknown if Mr. Demoss was in the area, creating a safety concern for all the first responders at the scene. Officer Kanalz relieved Officer Griffin and took over chest compressions on Mrs. Demoss. Eventually, Mrs. Demoss regained a heartbeat and started breathing on her own. Mrs. Demoss was rushed to the hospital by AMR. After Mrs. Demoss was taken to the hospital, Officer Griffin and Officer Kanalz stayed on scene to provide security for CCFD personnel and interview several neighbors, who witnessed the fire. Officer Griffin and Officer Kanalz’s calm and professional actions at a chaotic scene were in keeping with the highest standards of the Oregon City Police Department. Their quick action to start CPR and summon medical personnel without a doubt made a difference in the outcome and certainly saved Mrs. Demoss’s life. For their actions, Officer Ben Griffin and Officer James Kanalz have been awarded the department’s lifesaving award.

Chief's Medal of Merit - The 2025 OCPD Field Training Officers Serving as a Field Training Officer is one of the most important roles within our department. It is also one of the most demanding roles within the department. Serving as an FTO requires more than technical skill; it requires patience, grace, accountability, professionalism, and leadership. It also requires FTO’s to have a genuine investment in the future of our recruits, our department, and our profession. Their training and influence set the foundation for our recruits. This past year, our patrol FTOs again went above and beyond to train and develop our recruits, ensuring they not only mastered the basic fundamentals of the job but also were safe, could conduct thorough investigations, and embraced our values, standards, and expectations. In 2025, our patrol FTOs wrote 510 daily observation reports. Many of our FTOs had little time this year without a recruit in their car. Some were assigned to train recruits back-to-back. Through long hours, difficult conversations, celebrating successes, and learning from challenges, our FTOs worked extremely hard to train our recruits and the next generation of officers. The Chief’s Medal of Merit is being awarded to our patrol Field Training Officers for their outstanding service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to developing our recruits into professionals with character, confidence, and competence. Photographed from left to right: Officer Losli, Officer Oden, Sergeant Farmer, Officer Mawson, and Officer Huspek.

At our recent department banquet, we presented awards to our employees for their outstanding accomplishments in 2025. Over the next few days, we’ll be highlighting each of the award recipients. Chief's Medal of Merit - The 2025 OCPD Firearms Instructors Throughout 2025, the firearms instructors demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and foresight in delivering high-quality training and ensuring our officers are always equipped with safe, modern, and effective tools. However, this past year, the firearms program faced a significant undertaking: coordinating the department-wide transition from the SIG P320 platform to the SIG M17 equipped with a red dot sight, upgraded holster, and weapon-mounted light. This change represented not only a substantial financial commitment but also a complex logistical challenge requiring meticulous planning, scheduling, and communication. One of the biggest tasks with the transition was the development of the training curriculum and then implementing the training ranges. The firearms instructors developed and implemented a comprehensive two-day transition course designed to give every officer the knowledge, proficiency, and confidence needed to operate the new weapon system safely and effectively. Their curriculum, equipment selection, and instructional delivery reflected a true commitment to excellence and to the safety of both our officers and the community we serve. The success of this transition is a direct result of the team’s professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our mission. Their efforts ensured that our officers are fully prepared with what is arguably the most important tool we carry as police officers. The Chief’s Medal of Merit is being awarded to all the firearms instructors who made this transition possible and for their exceptional performances in 2025. Photographed from left to right - Officer Christopher Brosseau, Sergeant Alan Farmer, Sergeant Jon Neece. Not all firearms instructors were present at the time of the award to be photographed.

If you have a moment, please visit our "CanYouIDMe?" page to help us identify individuals involved in some recent open cases: canyouidme.org. The Oregon City Police Department has successfully resolved numerous open cases thanks to information provided by the community in the past. For more details and case numbers associated with the photographs in this post, please visit the "CanYouIDMe?" website. Sharing this information or providing a tip could be the key to solving these cases. Thank you for your support!

Have you ever been curious what it's like being a new police officer at OCPD? Follow along on a short video series with our new recruits and get a quick glimpse of what to expect for a new recruit officer. A new video will be posted every few weeks as the officers progress through the start of their new police careers!

Cougar sighting in Midtown Oregon City The Oregon City Police Department has received reports of a cougar sighting in the middle of town, near Singer Creek Park. The cougar has been captured on residential video surveillance on Latourette St. multiple times within the last 24 hours. The neighborhood is located off Molalla Avenue and Pleasant Avenue, backing up to Singer Creek Park, which is primarily accessible via Linn Avenue (See Map below). Please report any cougar sightings to the Oregon City Police Department via CCOM non-emergency at 503-655-8211. OCPD is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to locate and relocate the animal. Please see the attached images and information from ODFW about what to do if you see the cougar. This post will be updated with any new information. dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/livin…

As we welcome 2026, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for your continued support and partnership. It's an honor to serve you! Happy New Year!

Please join us in congratulating Ofc. Hudson Ehrich and DPSST Basic Police Class #455 on their graduation from the police academy today. Ofc. Ehrich was recognized during the graduation ceremony and awarded the Outstanding Defensive Tactics Award for his class. He will start field training soon. We are excited to see him develop into an exceptional law enforcement officer.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Much appreciation to all of our officers who are working today to ensure the safety of our city. Thank you for your continued dedication.

Oregon City Police Arrest Gladstone Resident for Drug Distribution: On the morning of November 11, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the Oregon City Police Department’s Special Investigations Team (SIT), with assistance from the Gladstone Police Department executed a search warrant at the River Run Village Apartments located at 871 Risley Avenue in Gladstone. Upon entry, officers detected a strong chemical odor emanating from the residence. Out of an abundance of caution, the Clackamas Fire Haz Mat team was called to the scene. After an assessment, the area was deemed safe for continued investigation. During the search, investigators discovered a substantial quantity of methamphetamine. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Daniel Gattman of Gladstone was arrested and charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance (DCS-Methamphetamine) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS-Methamphetamine). Gattman was subsequently lodged at the Clackamas County Jail. The Oregon City Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illegal drug activity and protecting the safety of our community. Anyone with information related to drug-related activity is encouraged to contact the department’s Special Investigations Team at ocpdsit@orcity.org. Thank you to our partners,Gladstone Police Department and Clackamas Fire for the assist today!

The Oregon City Police Department extends our sincere gratitude to all veterans who have served our country, as well as those veterans who represent OCPD. Your selflessness, dedication, and commitment to our community and nation are truly commendable. We are grateful for your service.

🚨 WE'RE HIRING! 🚨 Join our team and make a difference in your community. We're currently accepting applications for entry-level and lateral officers! Our officers have the chance to work in a number of full-time and part-time specialized positions to include: 🔍 Detective 🐾 K9 Handler 🏫 School Resource Officer 🚦 Traffic Officer 🏘️ Homeless Liaison 🕵️ Special Investigations Team 🚔 SWAT/Crisis Negotiation Team 🛩️ UAS Pilot 🚴 Bike Team 📄 Check out the full contract & salary schedule: 👉 OCPEA Salary Info: orcity.org/479/OCPEA-Curr… 📢 Apply now: 👉 Job Announcement: orcity.org/492/ Serve with pride. 💙

Today, a group of us visited Ofc. Robert Libke’s Fallen Officer Memorial sign along Highway 26 to honor his memory. While there we cleaned his memorial sign, the surrounding area, and placed a wreath in tribute to his service and sacrifice. A second wreath was laid in front of the police department next to his bronzed boots and his daughter’s concrete hand impressions. Thank you to everybody who has kept Ofc. Libke in their memory and hasn’t forgotten the ultimate sacrifice he made while protecting others. EOW: 11/04/2013

Twelve years ago today, Officer Robert Libke responded with fellow officers to a house fire on Linn Avenue. In the line of duty, while confronting the armed suspect responsible for the fire, Officer Libke was shot. He was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away the next day from his injuries. Officer Libke gave his life in service to the people of Oregon City, a true act of courage and selflessness. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rob’s legacy lives on in our hearts, and his memory continues to inspire us. We miss you, Rob. We remember! EOW: 11/04/2013

Please see the below information from our partners at @ClackCoSheriff regarding the most recent update in the murder investigation of Jennifer Ruth Stuart. Thank you for the continued efforts of the detectives/officers who have and are still working diligently on this case.

Update: Northbound 213 is still closed from Beavercreek to Redland Rd. Southbound 213 lanes are open. Expect significant delays. Due to the crash occuring on the state highway, Oregon State Police (OSP) are on scene and will be the investigative agency.

Oregon City Police on scene of a traffic crash at northbound Highway 213 near Redland Rd. Northbound traffic is currently closed. Expect significant delays and use alternative routes.