Armed robbers target early morning SE Portland poker game
by WAYNE HAVRELLY / KGW
December 27, 2009 at 3:11 PM
PORTLAND - At first, a group of poker players thought it was some kind of joke, but seconds later armed robbers had everyone on the ground with guns pointed at them.
Portland Police are searching for at least three men who held up a poker game about 3:45 a.m. Sunday at a home near Southeast 114th Avenue and Holgate Street.
"They were all wearing black and had masks covering their faces," said one of the poker players who wants to remain anonymous. "One of them hit me in the back with a shotgun until I was flat on the floor."
The victim said there were 18 poker players in the room and most of them were friends. He said poker games are there, but it's invitation only.
"The men roughed some of us up and then patted everyone down stealing money, credit cards, jewelry, even cell phones and car keys, said the unidentified victim.
Another victim had a handgun pointed at his head during much of the robbery. Before leaving, the robbers sprayed all the victims with pepper spray.
Portland police said no one was seriously injured. Two people were treated by paramedics at the scene.
"I'm going to stick to the safety of bricks and mortar casinos when I play cards from now on," said the unidentified player.
Police have not released any description of the armed robbers. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (503) 823 3333.