Two Portlanders charged over BLM-inspired mass looting in May

18-year-old Richard Clay Cavanaugh and 40-year-old Shane Jay Anderson, both of Portland, are accused of one count each of felony burglary in the first degree and felony theft in the first degree in relation to the first night of mass rioting and looting that broke out in downtown Portland after the death of George Floyd.

Shortly after midnight on May 30, Portland Police responded to a business that was in the process of being looted. The “BAIT” store—a retailer specializing in footwear, apparel and high end collectibles—was one among numerous businesses burglarized or severely vandalized during a five-hour riot spree. When officers entered the premises, cops observed Cavanaugh attempting to exit with “arms full” of merchandise, according to court documents. Police also identified Anderson as another suspect inside stealing.

Cavanaugh was arrested at the time for second-degree felony burglary and felony riot. He was released quickly without bail. His felony riot charge has been dropped. His arraignment is set for Dec. 7.

Anderson was taken into custody for second-degree felony burglary, first-degree felony theft, and felony riot. He was also released quickly without bail and his charges were dismissed in July, but was amended and reinstated in September. He has a court hearing via phone call scheduled for Nov. 16. He remains on pretrial supervised release.

He was arrested again on Oct. 3 at the downtown Embassy Suites Hotel and slapped with a slew of identity theft charges. His indictment is set for Dec. 1.

The Multnomah County’s District Attorney Office is investigating the widespread violence that occurred in late May that set off more than 125 days of violent protests and riots. So far, no one has been convicted at the local level. In September, Edward Schinzing, 32, pleaded guilty to a federal arson charge in relation to the burning of the Justice Center on May 29.