Police Say Portland Man Used Blowtorch to Break Into Food Carts Across the City

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Police Bureau has released a series of photographs of Theodore Cody Jackson (29), an alleged food cart burglar, to help identify additional cases.

PPB’s Central Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), which was working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation on derelict RV mitigation on Tuesday afternoon, arrested Jackson at Southeast Insley Street and Southeast 19th Avenue.

According to PPB, Jackson had burglary tools, including a blowtorch, and other evidence in his possession.

He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and faces multiple charges, including first-degree burglary and aggravated theft, second-degree burglary and theft, and possession of burglary tools.

Jackson is suspected of more than 20 burglaries targeting small-business food carts and other businesses across Portland’s inner neighborhoods, including the Belmont food cart pod. Police say he often used a blowtorch to force entry.

Some Victims Have Suffered Multiple Burglaries

Several victims have reported being burglarized on multiple occasions, and their losses are estimated to amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

PPB says many businesses were victims of repeated burglaries, resulting in additional financial hardships caused by repairs, the replacement of equipment and inventory, and interruptions to operating hours.

Investigators believe that there could be additional victims who have not made themselves known to the police, and they are encouraged to contact PPB.

PPB Interested in Hearing From Victims With Surveillance Videos

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from victims with surveillance videos, photographs, receipts documenting losses or damage, or other information that could assist with the investigation and prosecution.

The images of Jackson released by PPB were captured on surveillance videos during various criminal events. The images have been released in an attempt to identify additional unreported cases.

Anyone with information related to these incidents should e-mail [email protected] attn: Burglary Task Force/Central NRT and reference case #26-802416.