Armed Bandit Robs Foster-Powell Convenience Store

Police search for suspect after early morning holdup at Plaid Pantry

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In the early hours of January 14th, a bandit armed with a gun robbed a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland's Foster-Powell neighborhood, fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash before police arrived on the scene. No injuries were reported.

Why it matters

Convenience store robberies at gunpoint are a persistent problem in many urban areas, raising concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of small businesses. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and effective law enforcement response to protect local communities.

The details

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the silent holdup alarm at the Plaid Pantry store on SE 52nd Avenue was activated around 4:30 a.m. on January 14th. Officers raced to the scene but the suspect had already fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The clerk was unharmed during the robbery.

  • The robbery occurred around 4:30 a.m. on January 14th, 2026.

The players

Plaid Pantry

A convenience store located on SE 52nd Avenue in the Foster-Powell neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.

Sergeant Kevin Allen

A public information officer with the Portland Police Bureau.

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What they’re saying

“This was an armed robbery of a convenience store at gunpoint. The suspect left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash, and was gone before police arrived – no immediate arrests were made. And, thankfully, there were no injuries.”

— Sergeant Kevin Allen, Public Information Officer, Portland Police Bureau (thebeenews.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the robbery is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the persistent threat of armed robberies targeting vulnerable small businesses in urban areas, and the importance of effective law enforcement response and community vigilance to address such crimes.