Police Arrest Man for Stealing Bicycle in Portland

A 29-year-old man was arrested after allegedly stealing a bicycle from outside a Southeast Portland gas station.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Property Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single bicycle against a bare concrete wall under overcast light, evoking a quiet everyday theft. — Portland police arrested 29-year-old Zachariah Messer on Friday night after he allegedly stole a bicycle outside a Southeast Portland gas station and was later cited for second-degree theft. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Portland Police Bureau officers arrested Zachariah Messer, 29, for allegedly stealing a bicycle on Friday night. Messer was criminally cited for second-degree theft after police located him near Interstate 205.

Why it matters

The arrest shows police responded quickly to a reported theft in Southeast Portland, locating the suspect shortly after dispatch. Residents who park bikes outside shops may find the case a reminder to secure them while running errands.

Zachariah Messer, 29, was criminally cited for second-degree theft after police located him following the alleged theft. The source does not report whether the bicycle has been recovered or whether formal charges have been filed beyond the citation.

The players

Portland Police Bureau

The Portland Police Bureau is the municipal law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Portland, Oregon.

The details

Officers were dispatched shortly before 9:30 p.m. Friday to Southeast 122nd Avenue and Southeast Division Street after the bicycle was taken from its owner while they were inside a gas station. Officers spotted a suspect matching the description riding a bike on Division Street and attempted a stop, but the suspect allegedly abandoned the bicycle beside a paint store near Interstate 205 and ran.

Friday night: bicycle reported stolen; officers dispatched shortly before 9:30 p.m.
Friday night: suspect spotted on Division Street and police attempt a stop.
Friday night: suspect arrested after a short search and cited for second-degree theft.

Legal Context

The citation falls under Oregon's second-degree theft statute, which governs thefts of property below the threshold for first-degree charges in the state. Property crimes like this one are typically handled through citation or charges depending on the value of the item and the suspect's record.

Bicycle owners in Southeast Portland can reduce the risk of theft by locking bikes securely even for brief stops, such as a quick trip into a shop. The case underscores that bikes left unattended outside businesses remain a common target for property crime in the city.

The takeaway

Locking a bicycle to a fixed object, even during a short errand, is one of the simplest ways to deter theft. Keeping a record of the bike's make, model, and serial number can also help police identify stolen property.