Fork It Over As Portland Police Arrest Forklift Thief. According to court records, Joffre Zelinski, a 30-year-old man from Portland, is accused of stealing an $80,000 forklift from a parking garage at Portland State University and driving it recklessly through downtown Portland, covering at least 15 blocks until he was arrested by Portland Police. Witnesses claim that Zelinski chased a pedestrian while laughing “maniacally” and shouted to passers-by that he had stolen the forklift.
After receiving a 911 call, the Portland police found Zelinski driving the forklift the wrong way down a one-way street. Initially, he claimed to work for the construction company named on the equipment, but later he admitted to stealing the forklift from “some parking garage” he could not identify.
Zelinski has a criminal history that includes 2014 convictions for theft and possession of methamphetamine. He also participated in a diversion program for driving under the influence of intoxicants in 2021.
Zelinski now faces felony charges of burglary, theft, and unauthorized use of a vehicle, along with misdemeanor charges of menacing and criminal mischief. His arraignment is set for April 20.
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) was founded in 1870, shortly after the incorporation of the city of Portland, Oregon. The initial force consisted of a chief, a captain, and six patrolmen. In the early days, the PPB focused on enforcing city ordinances, including regulating livestock in the streets and keeping the peace during the city’s frequent labor strikes.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the PPB expanded its duties to include more traditional police work, such as investigating crimes and apprehending suspects. During this time, the force also dealt with a number of high-profile cases, including the arrest of bank robber John Sontag in 1893 and the capture of notorious serial killer Dayton Leroy Rogers in 1987.
Throughout the 20th century, the PPB grew in size and scope, and by the 1960s, it had become one of the largest police forces in the Pacific Northwest. The force faced a number of challenges during this time, including allegations of police brutality and discrimination against minority groups.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the PPB continued to face criticism for its handling of protests and demonstrations, particularly in the wake of the Occupy Portland movement in 2011 and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. The force has also faced controversy over the use of force against people experiencing mental health crises and calls for reform to address issues of accountability and transparency.
In recent years, the PPB has taken steps to address these concerns, including implementing body cameras for officers and increasing training on de-escalation techniques. However, the force continues to face challenges as it works to balance its duty to enforce the law with the need to build trust and accountability with the community it serves.
