Popular Portland LGBTQ bar & grill vandalized twice in 3 months

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - For the second time in the past three months, Escape Bar & Grill, a popular Portland LGBTQ space was robbed and vandalized last week.

"I'm at my wit's end," said Owner Jennifer Davis. "It's hard to go to sleep and wonder what's going to happen in the middle of the night."

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The Northeast Portland establishment has dealt with multiple incidents since the pandemic, but these most recent criminal activities have created new financial hardships.

At around 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, Davis said security cameras caught several individuals stealing from the outdoor patio, which included fire pits and additional furniture.

"Financially, the issues after closing seem to continue and I need it to stop," said Davis. "I need it to be safe and secure when I close the doors at night; before I open the next day."

The Los Angeles native has lived in the area for nearly two decades and has owned the business for nearly 13 years. She said Portland police are aware of several of the ongoing cases but wishes they were more involved given the consistency of these issues.

"I need them to do drive by," said Davis. "I don't see them unless they're going lights and sirens to another incident."

Fortunately, the local community has quickly stepped up, raising the money needed to replace the outdoor fire pits, furniture, and fencing.

"We raised $2,200 in 47-48 minutes, in less than an hour," said Tolson.

An example that James Tolson, a longtime employee who started the GoFundMe said proves its significance in a part of town that needs to be prioritized.

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"I'm hoping that for this whole area, not just this place but the whole East side needs some love, and I hope we can get to that," said Tolson.

As for Davis, she'll again pick up the pieces, it's getting harder and harder to clean up.

"I've done everything to protect what I have, and I don't know how to do it anymore," said Davis.

FOX 12 Oregon reached out to PPB about the previous cases and is awaiting a response and course of action moving forward.