PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — A tragic and unsettling incident unfolded Saturday evening at Bins and Barrels Liquor on Southeast 122nd Avenue when an employee suffered a heart attack, and amid the chaos, a man allegedly took advantage of the emergency to steal hundreds of dollars from the store.
Medical Emergency Turns Into a Crime Scene
Around 6 p.m., what began as a normal workday for 53-year-old Jason Hay suddenly turned critical. According to store manager Michelle Maurer, Hay collapsed unexpectedly behind the register.
“When he went behind the registers, all of a sudden he just crashed down face first,” Maurer recalled.
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As coworkers and customers rushed to help and called 911, a man entered the store appearing to assist in the medical crisis. Surveillance footage later revealed that while he pretended to check Hay’s pulse, his intentions were far from genuine.
Theft Caught on Camera
The man, described as wearing a black jacket and red hoodie, was seen moving toward the store’s back office. According to Maurer, the footage shows him rummaging through drawers and personal items.
“He grabbed my laptop bag with my computer in it, searched through that, searched through the desk drawers, and finally saw the safe,” she said.
Moments later, he walked back out of the office and exited through the front doors. The safe, which had been left slightly open, contained $700 to $800 in cash — money that the man managed to steal before leaving the scene.
Employees Left Shocked and Disheartened
The incident has left Maurer and her staff shaken. “I’m disgusted that someone would take advantage of such a horrible situation for their own greed,” she said. “We were all focused on trying to save Jason’s life, and this man saw it as an opportunity to steal.”
The store, a staple in the community, has faced difficulties before, but Maurer said this experience has been especially distressing because it happened during a moment of crisis.
Community Support for Jason Hay
Meanwhile, Hay remains hospitalized, and his family continues to hope for his recovery. His sister, Jessica Jones, told FOX 12 that her brother has not yet regained consciousness. She described him as a beloved community member known for his humor and kindness.
“Jason is a lovable guy,” Jones said. “He makes it a point to know everyone by name. He loves to pass a smile, he loves to hear people laugh and tell a joke. That’s his favorite thing — to bring joy to people every day.”
Jones added that Hay recently underwent a leg amputation due to a blood clot, a development that has made his medical situation even more serious. Despite the challenges, she said the family is staying positive and deeply grateful for the community’s support.
In response, the liquor store team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Hay’s medical costs and support his recovery. Customers and neighbors have already begun donating and sharing messages of encouragement online.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Portland Police Bureau has confirmed that an investigation is underway but that no arrests have yet been made. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage and asking anyone with information about the suspect to come forward.
The suspect’s callous actions have sparked outrage both locally and online, with many expressing disbelief that someone would commit theft during a life-threatening emergency.
A Community United in Compassion
Despite the shock and sadness, the employees at Bins and Barrels say the focus remains on supporting Jason Hay and his recovery. “He would be devastated to know that this happened on his watch,” Jones said, noting how proud her brother was of his work and the relationships he built with customers.
As police continue to investigate, the Canby and Portland communities have rallied around Hay’s family — a powerful reminder that even in moments of tragedy and betrayal, kindness and community spirit endure.
