Man Arrested Following Incident in King Neighborhood

On Sunday, August 30, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct responded to reports of a burglary at a residence in the 4900 block of Northeast Grand Avenue. While enroute, officers learned that a man had entered a home armed with a pitchfork and hammer. The suspect then grabbed a knife, prompting the occupants to flee the residence. Fortunately, they were physically unharmed. As officers responded, they learned the suspect, later identified as Leefantinie T. Cole, had climbed onto a neighboring roof. In addition, officers learned that approximately 30 minutes earlier, the suspect had entered a nearby church bathroom and caused damage.

View full size image of officer climbs ladder to roof to arrest suspect

For approximately an hour, Cole moved between several properties and roofs while officers worked to safely take him into custody. With assistance from Portland Fire & Rescue, which provided a ladder truck, an officer, who had established rapport with Cole, climbed to the roof and continued de-escalation. Eventually, Cole agreed to get on the ladder and descend. Once on the ground, Cole was taken into custody and arrested on Burglary, Criminal Mischief, and Trespass charges. 

PPB would like to thank PF&R for assistance and the community for their patience. 

Anyone with information about this case, who has not talked with police, is asked to contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 26-254003.

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