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UPDATE: Suspect Facing Manufacturing Destructive Device and Other Charges

Press Release
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The suspect arrested during this afternoon’s search warrant in the Sabin Neighborhood has been booked on numerous charges, including serious felonies related to explosives.
Published
Updated

The suspect, Alexander R. Wick, 38, of Portland, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of Destructive Device, Possession of a Destructive Device, Attempted Arson in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Menacing, and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. 

Investigators believe there were people with video of the original incident but left the scene without providing that video or leaving their contact information. If anyone has video evidence or eyewitness accounts of the incident, and have not already provided those to police, please contact Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portland…. Please reference case number 25-158213. 

The incident happened in the southbound lanes of I-5 just north of the North Failing Street pedestrian bridge on June 14th. The investigation revealed that Wick threw construction cones and boards with nails protruding out into the lanes of travel. He also had a large stop sign on a portable stand. 

Suspect seen on freeway near a stop sign on a stand and multiple orange traffic cones
Dashcam footage of June 14 incident on I5

The suspect’s actions created a dangerous situation, and a protracted closure of a major interstate freeway. After officers located the improvised explosive device (IED), officers shut down the freeway at 9:20 p.m. It was closed both directions for nearly an hour. Northbound lanes were reopened about 10:17 p.m. and all lanes were able to be reopened at 10:45 p.m. 

This was a challenging situation, and was a team effort between North Precinct officers, MEDU, the Portland Fire Investigations Unit, ODOT, SERT, CNT, and the FBI. The Portland Fire Investigations Unit is composed of fire investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration leverages the specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, including analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs.

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***Original Message Below***

Search Warrant Being Served in the Sabin Neighborhood Related to Explosives Investigation

A search warrant is being served in the 4700 block of Northeast 15th Avenue in the Sabin Neighborhood involving the use of tactical teams and federal law enforcement partners. The investigation is related to an explosives case. It does not involve immigration enforcement. One arrest made.

There is no articulable ongoing danger to the community. The primary suspect has been safely taken into custody pending the further investigation. No additional suspects are being sought. However, due to the nature of the investigation, and out of an abundance of caution, the search is being conducted in a slow, careful, methodical manner. That will mean that investigators will be on scene for several hours. The warrant service was started at about 1:25 p.m. 

Involved were tactical units, including the Portland Police Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and the Metro Area Explosives Disposal Unit (MEDU). There will also be responders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and possible other agencies. 

The investigation began on June 14, 2025 at 7:04 p.m. on Interstate 5 at Northeast Failing Street pedestrian bridge, where a suspect was reportedly throwing cones and other objects into the lanes of traffic, and then slashing the tires of vehicles when the drivers stopped. The suspect threatened drivers with a screwdriver and claimed that he had a bomb. Officers searching the area located a bucket with a possible explosive device inside. Due to the significant potential danger to the community, I-5 had to be closed to all traffic. MEDU responded and rendered the device safe. Subsequent investigation revealed that the device was likely as viable improvised explosive. The suspect fled the scene and was not initially located, but was identified later by a detective with the Portland Fire Investigations Unit. 

There are no injuries as a result of the case. Additional information will be released when appropriate. 

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