Portland police have evicted a dozen alleged squatters from a property on Southeast 111th Avenue that neighbors described as a year-long source of terror. The operation on Thursday followed a standoff, with some occupants attempting to barricade themselves inside the abandoned residence.
Authorities reported finding the property in squalid and hazardous conditions, requiring officers to wear protective gear. Alongside the 12 individuals removed, four bottle-fed kittens were also taken into custody by Animal Control.
Neighbors had reported a range of issues stemming from the property over the past five years, including sexual harassment, gun violence, and a pervasive stench attributed to suspected drug activity. One resident, Mike Tracey, stated he had been fired upon with a 9-millimeter weapon.
Five arrests were made in connection with the eviction. Four individuals were wanted on active felony warrants. Paris Thorsen, 34, and Brendan Hoy, 30, were charged with trespassing and evading arrest after barricading themselves and attempting to flee. Hoy is also under investigation for car theft in Gresham, with a vehicle linked to the probe found at the property.
The property at 3254 Southeast 111th Avenue has been vacant for several years, with property taxes unpaid since 2018. Records indicate the house was passed down from an elderly owner to her grandson, who reportedly allowed the individuals to occupy the property before being allegedly forced out himself. A city inspector had previously been unable to post a notice due to safety concerns after encountering an armed individual on the premises.
City officials have since boarded up the house and prohibited re-entry.
Portland Public Information Manager Mike Benner acknowledged that nuisance properties are a significant concern for residents, impacting neighborhood safety and livability. He explained that law enforcement action on private property is governed by legal requirements, and officers generally cannot enter or remove individuals without sufficient legal grounds. Property owners and other city entities may need to take steps before law enforcement can intervene.
Squatting is an ongoing issue in Portland, a city that, as of a 2025 Portland State University report, had over 12,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a 67 percent increase since 2023. The report also noted that squatting can be difficult to quantify as it may fall under various citations such as trespassing or nuisance property violations.