A student from Ockley Green Middle School faced a scary situation last week. Officials say a transient attempted to rob a student as they walked to school.
The student was not injured, and after they arrived at the school, they told the staff what happened. Portland Police were notified, and the student’s parents were called.
Families from Ockley Green received a letter from Ockley Green Principal Julie Rierson on Monday, March 20, detailing what took place.
Dear Ockley Green Families,
Last week, a transient individual attempted to rob one of our students while that student walked to school. The student was not injured and, after they arrived safely at school, staff reported the incident to the Portland Police Bureau and contacted the student’s parent. I’m both thankful that the student was okay and that our staff kept their focus on the student’s needs while acting quickly and with compassion.
I would, however, like to address how some in our community have represented what happened. Inaccurate rumors about this incident have been shared on social media, leading to sensationalized media inquiries that have confused me, our district communications team, and even the Portland Police Bureau. These distortions have heightened fear and anxiety for some in our community.
I recognize that an incident like this can be extremely upsetting and anxiety-inducing for students and families alike. I want to assure you that the police do not believe this incident was anything more than a single isolated attempted theft. I’d like to take this opportunity to share tips to maximize safety in our community.
When commuting to school on foot or by bus or bike, I would encourage students and families to:
- whenever possible, to not do so alone
- avoid using electronic devices or headphones as it may limit your ability to monitor your surroundings
- try to use well-lighted, well-traveled routes, and avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas
- be aware of your surroundings and the people around you
Trust your instincts – if someone or something makes you feel uneasy, get out or get away, and report it. The 24-hours police non-emergency number is 503-823-3333, and you should call 911 if it is an immediate emergency or a crime. You can also contact the SafeOregon tip line by text or phone at 844-472-3367; by email at tip@safeoregon.com, or via the SafeOregon app.
The safety of Ockley Green students is and always will be my top priority. Email me at jrierson@pps.net or call the main office at 503-916- 5660 if you have questions or concerns. I am here to support you and your families in any way I can.
Sincerely,
Julie Rierson
Principal
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler told KATU News on Wednesday that he remains committed to his “safe routes to schools.”
“Kids walking through circumstances where people might be using drugs, or peddling drugs, or whatever is clearly not a safe situation. To the degree that we have these managed campsites in the vicinity of safe routes to school, we’ve committed to elevated security measures for those particular routes including potentially guards, monitors, and other security measures when kids are in the area.”
When asked about any increased security around Ockley Green following the attempted robbery, the mayor said PPB would be handling any issues.
“We’re hearing this about multiple sites and definitely the Portland Police Bureau has this on their radar and I’m sure there’ll be a response.”
In 2022, Mayor Wheeler along with Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said student safety was a priority for students walking to school.
Last September, Superintendent Guerrero told KATU News, “Making sure they can get to class making sure they can walk to school without being endangered, safety issues, stepping over needles. We'll continue to communicate, collaborate where we can with the city but we also have a lot of compassion for folks who don't have stable housing so we hope the city comes up with some solutions to that.”