Drug Dealer Arrested Thanks To Community Tip: Police

PORTLAND, OR — A tip from the public this week led police to a fairly significant drug pusher in the Portland metro region, according to law enforcement authorities.

Eddie Breedwell, 51, was taken to Multnomah County Jail following his arrest Thursday. He is charged with theft, unlawful possession and delivery of both heroin and methamphetamine, and delivery of heroin and meth within 1,000 feet of school. His bail is set at $230,000.

Police began investigating Breedwell's alleged activities in April after an anonymous tip was sent to Crime Stoppers of Oregon, which typically offers rewards for criminal information that leads to an arrest.

Watching Breedwell for about a month, investigators reportedly learned he would sell and trade illegal drugs for stolen property out of his apartment at the Westwind Hotel Apartments in Northwest Portland, where he is also reportedly employed.

The Bureau's Neighborhood Response Team finally served its search warrant at Breedwell's apartment just after 9 a.m. May 17.

Investigators standing at the door of Breedwell's apartment reportedly saw evidence of illegal drugs inside when Breedwell himself opened the door.

After arresting Breedwell without incident, investigators discovered inside the apartment stolen property worth thousands of dollars, evidence of identity theft connected to multiple victims, nearly an ounce of meth, half an ounce of heroin, and several hundred dollars in cash.

Speaking to jail officers, Breedwell said he came to the Portland region about one year ago. And though he has no criminal history in Oregon prior to his arrest Thursday, court documents show 27 felonies and five misdemeanors on his record from Illinois, Florida, and Iowa.

Breedwell's history includes convictions for burglary and theft, kidnapping, and several possession charges for various controlled substances.

Breedwell's arraignment was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Image via Portland Police Bureau