In a startling turn of events in Portland, Oregon, the Vancouver Police Department has shed light on a dramatic crime spree culminating in an unusual scene with a man dangling from a telephone wire on a Saturday evening.
The individual, now identified as Romando E. Stanley, initially caught attention around 5:15 p.m. near 600 W Evergreen Blvd. He was observed removing power tools from another person’s car, as reported by the vehicle owner. By the time law enforcement arrived on the scene, Stanley had vanished.
The saga continued as the car owner witnessed Stanley trespassing into a nearby yard and stealing a bicycle right from the front. A neighbor’s attempt to intervene led to Stanley abandoning the bike and fleeing on foot.
Further complicating the spree, Vancouver police were alerted to an incident near 900 Main Street where Stanley had ventured into a business and stolen an employee’s cell phone. When the employee confronted Stanley to retrieve the phone, Stanley responded with violence, striking the employee in the chest before making his escape.
The pursuit led officers to 607 Washington Street, where they found Stanley on a rooftop, engaging in destructive behavior by hurling bricks onto the sidewalk below, causing damage to several buildings.
Efforts to coax him down were initiated by crisis negotiators. Defying attempts at a peaceful resolution, Stanley opted for a precarious escape route, traversing the street via a telephone line. For approximately 45 minutes, he remained suspended above the street.
In a bid to ensure his safety, negotiators persisted in their efforts to persuade him to descend, while a Vancouver Fire engine was strategically placed beneath to mitigate the impact should he fall. Ultimately, Stanley’s grip failed, and he fell onto the fire engine below.
Stanley’s attempt to flee continued as he jumped off the engine, but his freedom was short-lived as he was promptly apprehended. Following his arrest, he was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Facing a slew of charges including second-degree robbery, second-degree theft, third-degree theft, and malicious mischief, Stanley’s actions have left the community in disbelief.
As this story unfolds, stay tuned to KOIN 6 News for the latest updates.