TROUTDALE, OR - Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating the explosion that occurred in a Troutdale neighborhood on Monday, September 13, 2021, have determined there is no danger to the public, and that the death is not criminal in any way. The family of the deceased has asked that the individual’s identity and the manner of death not be released. Because there is no threat to the public, MCSO is honoring their request. The family is asking for privacy at this time and does not wish to be contacted by the media.
In the days following this incident, we received multiple requests for information about a second explosive device call that occurred on the evening of Monday, September 13, along I-84 in Troutdale. We understand that there is concern from the public that the two incidents are linked. We can say with complete confidence, they are not related. After an investigation into claims that explosive chemicals were present in a vehicle, it was determined that the claim was false.
MCSO appreciates the public’s interest and care of these incidents in their communities. We ask that the public follow us on our social media accounts for verified information. At this time, no further comment will be made.
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Original news release:
On Monday, September 13, 2021, at 2:19 a.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of Southeast 42nd Circle in Troutdale after callers reported a loud explosion and vehicle fire in the area.
Deputies arriving at the scene located the vehicle. Gresham Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Upon further investigation, a person was located inside the burned vehicle. The individual, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene.
MCSO detectives are being assisted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, Gresham Police Department Explosives Disposal Unit, Gresham Fire Investigators and Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). ATF is providing a certified explosives specialist, a certified fire expert and an explosives detection K9. Investigators are working to determine what caused the explosion, which is believed to have originated inside the vehicle.
The deceased individual was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and manner of death are yet to be determined. Investigators are not yet releasing the identity of the individual.
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) volunteers and the American Red Cross responded to the area to assist affected community members.
There is no danger to the public, nor threat of additional explosions. There were no reports of additional injuries or injuries to first responders.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information can be released at this time.
