Police seek suspect accused of stealing Portland victim’s wedding ring, backpack while he lay bleeding

The family of a Portland train attack is now faced with an added tragedy of searching for his personal items — including his wedding ring – that are believed to have been stolen.

The Washington Post reports that Ricky Best, an Army veteran stabbed to death after he helped defend teenage girls against a white supremacist shouting racial slurs at them, was also a victim of theft. Portland police told the newspaper that Best’s backpack was stolen as he lay bleeding from his wounds, and that his wedding ring is also missing.

Police have released surveillance video of the suspect, who can be seen walking off the train carrying a backpack. The department also released a statement calling for the public’s help in finding the suspect, which reads in part:

The suspect is described as a white male with a blonde hair mullet, wearing a black Jordan Brand baseball cap, a black t-shirt featuring an image of Marilyn Monroe and an American flag, black shorts, and black shoes. The suspect carrying another backpack in his left hand, unknown if it his.

The statement urges the suspect himself to come forward:

If the suspect in this theft would like to turn himself in to police, he is encouraged to call the Police Non-Emergency Line at 503-823-3333, or go to Central Precinct where officers will accept his surrender.

Jeremy Joseph Christian, described in media reports as a “known white supremacist,” is in custody for the murder of Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, a recent college graduate.

Anyone with information about the suspected robbery is urged to contact urged Portland Police Detective Mitch Hergert at mitchell.hergert@portlandoregon.gov.

 

Photo: Handout