Community Outrage and Mourning After Liquor Store Robbery During Employee’s Fatal Medical Emergency

PORTLAND, Ore. — Community Outrage and Mourning After Liquor Store Robbery During Employee’s Fatal Medical Emergency

The city of Portland is reeling from a disturbing and deeply tragic event that occurred on October 25 at Bins & Barrels Liquor Store. During a medical emergency, a robbery took place — and in the aftermath, a valued member of the community lost his life.

The victim, 53-year-old Jason Hay, collapsed from a cardiac arrest while on duty at the liquor store. Security footage appears to show a man approaching Hay during his medical crisis, seemingly to assist — but instead taking advantage of the situation to steal approximately $800 from the store’s safe. Jason was transported to a local hospital, where he died a week later. No arrest has yet been made.

Across Portland, dozens of friends, family members, and neighbors have gathered for a vigil outside the store, remembering Jason as “everyone’s best friend” — an individual who spent most of his life in that neighborhood and touched countless lives with his kindness.

A Crisis Turned Crime

On October 25, while working his shift at Bins & Barrels Liquor Store, Jason Hay suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The medical emergency created a vulnerable moment. Surveillance footage shows a man entering the scene, ostensibly appearing to help — yet, instead of aiding Jason (or calling for assistance), he diverted to the safe, stole around $800, and fled.

Jason was rushed to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he passed away a week later from his injuries. The store, staff, friends, and family now face the dual shock of a coworker collapsing and the betrayal of someone exploiting the moment.

Law enforcement is investigating the incident as both a robbery and a suspicious action during a medical crisis. The Portland Police Bureau has not yet announced any arrests, and the suspect remains at large. Investigators are requesting that anyone who recognizes the person in the surveillance footage or has information about the incident come forward.

A Valued Life Remembered

Jason Hay was more than an employee or neighbor — he was deeply woven into the community fabric of the neighborhood surrounding the liquor store. Friends and relatives recall someone with an open heart, ready with a laugh, a helping hand, or a friendly greeting. At 53, Jason had lived much of his life in the area and was known as someone who looked out for others.

At the vigil outside his workplace, dozens of people shared how Jason made their days lighter, how he was there for family milestones, and how his presence added warmth to the neighborhood. The phrase “everyone’s best friend” echoed as a description for a man who embodied genuine connection and community spirit.

A Community Demands Justice

The incident has sparked outrage not just because of the robbery, but because of the exploitation of someone in medical emergency. Civic leaders, neighbors, and local business owners are calling for swift investigation, accountability, and strengthened protections for vulnerable moments such as this.

Representatives from neighborhood associations are urging:

• Increased security and surveillance for small businesses

• Enhanced awareness of medical emergencies and bystander responsibilities

• Community watch initiatives to support local businesses and residents

• Faster law enforcement response when medical crisis meets criminal action

The community’s grief is intertwined with an earnest demand for justice—not just for Jason, but for the integrity of the neighborhood and the many lives he touched.

Holding Onto Love & Memory

In the days ahead, Jason’s family and friends will carry his memory forward through stories, gatherings, and acts of kindness in his honor. They have requested that anyone who wishes to pay tribute bring forward donations or help to the neighborhood businesses he cared about.

While Jason’s death is a profound loss, the impact he made remains visible: in the hearts of those who knew him, the grins of neighbors he greeted, and the community around the store where he spent his days.

Final Reflection

The tragic loss of Jason Hay is a painful reminder of how quickly life can shift—from routine to crisis, from normalcy to heartbreak. In a medical emergency that demanded compassion and support, the act of robbery deepened the wound for a community already processing sorrow.

Rest in peace, Jason Hay.
May your kindness continue to ripple through the neighborhood you loved.
And may your community find strength, unity, and dignity in demanding justice on your behalf.