News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Clackamas County deputies investigate armed robbery in Home Depot parking lot in Happy Valley

Posted: May 4-5, 2009, 4:51 p.m.

On Monday, May 4, 2009 at 3:09 p.m., a female reported she was robbed by a lone male suspect armed with a handgun in the parking lot of the Home Depot located at 9300 SE 82nd Ave. in Happy Valley.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to this reported crime and immediately cordoned off the immediate area in search of this armed suspect. The suspect was not immediately located, and the containment search was terminated at 3:40 p.m.

Deputies learned the suspect had struck the female victim on the top of her head during the armed robbery, and then fled the scene on foot in the direction of the Joe's and Pet Smart parking lots. The assault did not cause any life-threatening injuries.

At least one witness reports hearing a gun discharge (unconfirmed) as the suspect was fleeing across the parking lot towards the rear portion of Joe's and Pet Smart. No additional injuries were reported.

Deputies are seeking an armed suspect, described by the victim/witness as follows:

Investigating deputies report that the suspect approached this female victim in the parking lot and demanded her purse. The victim resisted, holding onto her purse -- resulting in her being struck on the top of her head with his handgun. The suspect did not gain possession of the 44-year-old victim's purse, and fled the scene on foot.

The victim -- Paula Sue Raujol, age 44, who resides in Oregon City -- was treated and released at the scene by responding Clackamas Fire District #1 and American Medical Response paramedics. She transported herself to a local hospital for a more extensive examination and was released.

Deputies are working with store security personnel in an effort to obtain surveillance images of this armed-robbery suspect. In the event these surveillance images become available, they may be released to the media in an effort to help identify the suspect.

Anyone with information about this armed robbery is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office confidential Tip Line -- by calling (503) 723-4949 or using our e-mail form.

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Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office