A chaotic scene unfolded on a quiet Sunday afternoon in Northwest Portland, where what started as a simple ‘free’ sign on a piece of plywood outside a warehouse led to a frenzy of activity that authorities are now investigating as a burglary.
Portland Police Bureau responded to the corner of NW Vaughn Street and NW 25th Avenue following reports of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, officers found numerous individuals loading furniture, mattresses, and other items into trucks and trailers parked nearby. The catalyst for this activity was a crudely painted sign declaring ‘free’ on a piece of plywood placed conspicuously outside the building.
Eyewitnesses like Susan, who happened to be passing by, recounted a scene of confusion and disarray. “I saw people bringing things out of the building,” she said, noting the presence of cars lined up along NW 25th Avenue, each eager to capitalize on what appeared to be a spontaneous furniture giveaway. Susan expressed unease at the lack of organization, remarking, “If somebody really had that much furniture to give away, they’d give it to an organization who can distribute it to people who really needed it.”
Further investigation revealed that the ‘free’ sign and an accompanying note encouraging people to take items and distribute them to those in need were allegedly placed by 51-year-old Shannon Clark. Police subsequently arrested Clark on charges of burglary, theft, and aggravated theft, underlining the seriousness with which authorities viewed the incident.
However, the legal aftermath took an unexpected turn when the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges against Clark immediately. Prosecutors clarified that while charges were not filed at that moment, the case remains open for review, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Meanwhile, representatives from Carbon Group, the real estate developer that owns the warehouse, expressed dismay over the incident. Dan DiCicco, the company’s lawyer, described the stolen items as essential for modeling spaces developed by Carbon Group, which specializes in affordable housing, market-rate housing, education, mixed-use, and commercial spaces.
“It looked like a feeding frenzy and we were very upset,” DiCicco remarked, highlighting the substantial value of the property taken and appealing for its return. “If you want to get in touch with us and bring it back, that would be great,” he added pointedly. “It wasn’t free.”
The incident has left both neighbors and authorities perplexed about how news of the supposed giveaway spread so rapidly and attracted such a diverse crowd, including individuals described by DiCicco as “half-naked street folks” and others more affluent in appearance.
As the community reflects on this event, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clarity and legality in community initiatives, even those undertaken with ostensibly good intentions. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to clarify how such a misunderstanding led to what is now regarded as a significant disturbance in this tranquil neighborhood of Portland.