Police Say Suspects Laughed & Giggled While Robbing a Blind Man's Guide Cane

Detectives ask anyone with information concerning this suspect person or crime to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information concerning this suspect person or crime to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - On Friday, May 14, 2010 between 12:00 and 12:30 p.m., a legally ‘blind man' had his guide cane stolen during a robbery event when two young male suspects used physical force – while laughing - to pry the cane from the victim's hand; which, also caused injuries to the victim's shoulder that required immediate medical attention.

Det. Jim Strovink, Spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff, says investigators learned the victim identified as 40-year old James Davis of Vancouver, Washington, had been treated by the medical staff in the emergency room at Sunnyside Kaiser Hospital and was now being discharged.

"A Sheriff's Office deputy met with James Davis while situated in an assigned wheelchair at the hospital and learned of his criminal ordeal. Davis explained he resides in Vancouver and rode the Max yellow line from north Portland on this day to make his way to the Clackamas Town Center. Davis made the transfer to the Green line at Gateway positioning himself in the front car directly behind the driver. He declared nothing extraordinary occurred while he was riding onboard the train."

Strovink says upon departing the train at the Clackamas Town Center, Davis exited the train car to the left and walking to a nearby ramp.

"It was at this point, when James Davis first detected two youthful sounding voices – estimated in their late teens – coming towards Davis. Davis also described how the approaching youths were ‘laughing and giggling' as they came walking closer to Davis on the ramp."

"It was at this point the two youths grabbed his guide cane and began yanking on the cane in an effort to forcibly take this cane from Davis. Davis went on to explain, " I held on as tight as I could, but one of them grabbed my hand and forced my fingers open and they were able to take it -- all while they were laughing at me." Davis explained that is how he injured his shoulder while struggling with the two suspects to prevent them from taking his guide cane. "Davis described his cane as approximately 5' long, consisting of a carbon fiber shaft. It is white in color, has red tape at the bottom and a white tip. This guide cane is also hinged and collapsible. "Davis reports this cane was a present from a close friend a couple of years ago and the cost of replacement was estimated at around $40.00. Davis also indicated it would require him a couple of months to save the money to purchase a new cane. "The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is in direct contact with TriMet in an effort to obtain and publish potential surveillance images of the suspects responsible for this crime. If and when these surveillance images become available they will be made available immediately to interested media. "It is my understanding the victim, James Davis, who resides in Vancouver, Washington, may be available to discuss this most unfortunate event with media. Please contact Jim Strovink, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer for victim contact information."

Strovink says the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is working diligently to identify these two suspects responsible for this abhorrent crime.

ADDITIONAL TIPS SOUGHT

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office investigators are seeking the assistance of the public surrounding these reported crimes and alleged suspect activities. Please reference Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Case #10-14684. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information concerning this suspect person or crime to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's confidential Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949.