CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Oregon State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating a disturbing incident in which several individuals allegedly impersonated law enforcement officers, detained a driver at gunpoint, and assaulted the victim in Clackamas County.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on Friday, July 17, between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. along Highway 211 near milepost 5, east of Woodburn.
The victim told investigators they noticed a vehicle displaying red and blue emergency-style lights behind them while driving and believed they were being stopped by law enforcement. The driver pulled over into a gravel turnout.
Police said two men exited the suspect vehicle, one carrying a rifle. The suspects reportedly identified themselves as “ICE” and told the victim they were being detained.
Investigators said the victim was forcibly removed from their vehicle, searched, and placed into the back seat of the suspects’ SUV. A third individual remained inside the vehicle and allegedly acted as a guard, assaulting the victim while they were being detained.
After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the suspects released the victim and told them they were free to leave.
The victim later sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the encounter.
While receiving treatment at a local hospital, the victim reportedly began receiving text messages from a phone number claiming to represent a law firm offering legal assistance related to the incident. Investigators identified the number as 971-502-5548 and are asking anyone who has received similar messages to come forward.
The suspects were described as wearing boots, baseball caps, face coverings, green long-sleeve shirts, and tactical vests displaying the word “POLICE” in white lettering. They also reportedly carried badges marked “Police.”
The suspect vehicle was described as a newer-model compact SUV, either blue or gray, with no visible license plates.
Oregon State Police said they contacted federal law enforcement agencies, which confirmed the individuals involved were not federal officers.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity along Highway 211 near South Barlow Road on July 17, or anyone who may have encountered individuals posing as law enforcement officers, to contact the Oregon State Police. Anyone with information is asked to call OSP Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or dial *OSP (677) from a mobile phone and reference case number SP26-237961.
Authorities Offer Safety Tips
Federal agencies operating in Oregon emphasized that officers conducting official operations must clearly identify themselves as law enforcement and display the agency they represent. Officials also warned that anyone who falsely claims to be a federal immigration officer faces criminal prosecution.
Authorities recommend that anyone who is uncertain whether a traffic stop is legitimate should:
- Pull over in a well-lit, populated area whenever possible.
- Turn on emergency flashers but leave the vehicle running.
- Keep vehicle doors locked.
- Ask to see the officer’s identification and badge.
- Request the officer’s agency information and contact dispatch to verify their identity.
- Request that a marked patrol vehicle respond if there are concerns about the legitimacy of the stop.
Officials also noted that in Oregon, local, state, and federal law enforcement officers generally may not wear face coverings except in limited circumstances and are required to clearly display identification identifying the agency they represent.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police.
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