Portland, OR – Portland police have arrested a 32-year-old man accused of carrying out multiple armed robberies at local taverns across the city over the past month.
The suspect, identified as Demetrius E. Hillman, was taken into custody on October 25, 2025, following a coordinated investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
String of Robberies Across Portland
Investigators say Hillman is believed to be responsible for at least five armed robberies that occurred between September 16 and October 6, 2025, targeting taverns in several neighborhoods. The incidents were reported at businesses along North Lombard Street, Northeast 82nd Avenue, and Southeast 182nd Avenue — areas that had seen an uptick in robbery-related reports during that period.
Also Read
In each case, the suspect allegedly entered the establishments armed, demanding cash from employees before fleeing the scene. No serious injuries were reported, but the string of incidents left many local business owners on edge.
Arrest and Search Warrants Executed
After gathering evidence and identifying Hillman as the primary suspect, detectives obtained an arrest warrant with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office. On October 25, officers from the Major Crimes Unit executed the warrant at a residence on Southwest Canyon Court, where Hillman was taken into custody without incident.
A second search warrant was served the same day at a separate location on North Salem Avenue, as investigators worked to recover additional evidence possibly linked to the robberies.
Following his arrest, Hillman was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, where he faces multiple charges related to armed robbery and weapons offenses. Police said the investigation remains active as they look into the possibility that he may be connected to more than six robberies since early September.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet released details about the evidence gathered during the search or whether other individuals may have been involved. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to build a complete timeline of Hillman’s alleged activity.
Police spokespersons emphasized that solving this case was a result of community cooperation and persistent detective work, as patterns across different neighborhoods pointed to a single suspect.
Police Seek Public Assistance
Investigators are urging anyone with additional information about these robberies or related criminal activity to contact the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
“We appreciate the community’s vigilance and the support that helped lead to this arrest,” officials said in a statement. “Our goal remains to keep local businesses and residents safe as we continue to address violent crime across the city.”
The arrest marks a significant development in Portland’s recent efforts to reduce armed robberies, which have impacted small businesses and taverns in several neighborhoods since the start of fall.
