RELEASE DATE: June 4, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: On Duty PIO
CASE NUMBER: 24-22065
Gresham, Ore.— Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance with locating missing 10 and 12-year-old siblings who left home on May 28. They live in the 1200 block of NW Wonderview Dr., in Gresham. Their mother has received reports they have been seen with extended family and friends. If anyone has information about their whereabouts, they are urged to call 911.
Alexander “Alex” Lewis, 10, is described by his family as a Black male who is approximately 5-feet and 4-inches tall and weighs 100 pounds. Alex was last seen wearing a grey and white Tupac shirt and blue jeans. Alissa is described by her family as a Black female who is approximately 5-feet and 6-inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. Alissa was last seen wearing a blue Nascar sweatshirt and matching blue Nascar sweatpants.
Keeping a child away from their lawful custodian may constitute the crime of Custodial Interference, a felony. (ORS 163.245). “Kids that run away sometimes tell friends and family they have no place to stay or their living situation is not safe,” explained Officer Jarom Sweazey, who has worked in youth services for more than 13 years. “We investigate reports of neglect or abuse but they do not permit you to harbor someone else’s child,” Sweazey added.
If you think a child is being abused or neglected, you can call the police. Officers will investigate the report and work with Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services (CPS) employees to ensure the child is safe. Additionally, reports can be made directly to the Child Abuse Hotline at 855-503-SAFE (7233). Trained child welfare screeners will talk with you about your concerns and decide if follow-up or referrals are needed.
In addition to DHS, Gresham Police partners with New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) and the Alba Collaborative who provide 24/7 services for youth ages 9 to 17-years-old in crisis or in need of a safe place to stay. They are located at the New Avenues Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), 470 SE 165th Ave., Portland, OR 97233 on a shared campus with Boys & Girls Club, Open School, and Latino Network.