'It's escalated and we've had enough' police say

GRESHAM, Ore. - A sudden escalation in crime on the border between Portland and Gresham has police saying enough is enough.

Police in both cities say they are going to double the number of officers patrolling the area, starting immediately.

They will be out in cars, bikes, motorcycles and on foot - handing out citations to anyone caught violating the rules.

What prompted the plans to fight the surge in violence was what happened Monday night when a 30-year-old man was shot and then just a few hours later a fight involving 10 to 20 people broke out in the same area.

With more than 50 complaints of assault, vandalism and drug offenses in the area over the last three months, both police departments were asked why they are just now dedicating extra resources.

"It's escalated and we've had enough," said Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso. "So we're taking it firm and we're taking it hard."

Police say TriMet does have funding and plans to install cameras at the MAX station located at 162nd and Burnside, one of the biggest trouble spots.

KATU News spoke to several people off camera who said they are so scared and threatened by the violence that they are afraid to talk.

Police are asking people to put aside their fears and make an effort to report crimes in the hopes that strength in numbers will help curb the violence.