PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man who fired at police officers during a crime spree in September 2023 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Jesse James West, 25, was found guilty on multiple charges including four counts of first-degree attempted murder with a firearm, first-degree robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, second-degree assault, and third-degree robbery. The convictions stem from two cases involving a robbery and a violent confrontation with police.
West’s crime spree began when he stole a car from an 84-year-old man, then went on to steal another vehicle at gunpoint and carjacked a woman after crashing into a bar. On September 26, 2023, police tracked West to a house in Northeast Portland and called in the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) for the arrest.
When officers approached, West jumped into a stolen Subaru and refused to surrender. A SERT officer broke the vehicle’s rear window using less-lethal rounds. In response, West fired six live rounds at officers. Police returned fire with 30 rounds, ultimately wounding and capturing him.
Although no officers were injured, prosecutors said West’s bullets “came shockingly close to striking and potentially killing one or more” of them.
Following the incident, West pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder, leading to the 20-year prison sentence handed down by Judge Angela Lucero in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
