A Community Rallies After Beloved Downtown Portland Liquor Store Owner Attacked

The quiet hum of a Tuesday evening in downtown Portland was, for one beloved local fixture, shattered in a violent flash. Steven Woo, the 70-year-old owner of a Portland liquor store, a man who has, for years, poured his heart into his business and community, found himself a victim of a brutal assault, hospitalized with serious injuries after a robbery that frankly, left many in shock.

And what a blow it was, not just to Mr. Woo, but to the very fabric of the neighborhood. The incident, which unfolded around 6:15 p.m. at his Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission store on SW 1st Avenue and SW Oak Street, saw a suspect, later identified by authorities, allegedly attempting to make off with several bottles of liquor. You could say, in truth, Mr. Woo was simply defending what was his, what he had tirelessly built. He confronted the individual.

But the confrontation quickly escalated. Reports indicate the suspect shoved Mr. Woo, causing him to fall with a terrifying impact, hitting his head. The alleged thief then fled the scene, leaving the injured owner behind. It’s a gut-wrenching detail, isn't it? Thankfully, though, there were witnesses; good Samaritans, perhaps, who rushed to his aid, contacting emergency services as Mr. Woo lay injured.

His family, understandably devastated, shared that Mr. Woo, an immigrant, has been a vital part of the Portland community for a long, long time. He's the kind of business owner who knows his customers by name, who’s seen generations come through his doors. And now, he’s recovering from a trauma that extends far beyond the physical — a stark reminder, some might say, of the vulnerabilities facing small business owners in urban centers.

The wheels of justice, for once, turned with a commendable swiftness. Portland Police, armed with security camera footage and a clear determination, quickly identified a person of interest: 37-year-old Anthony Dejuan Sims. And by Thursday morning, just a couple of days after the initial assault, Sims was in custody. He now faces serious charges, including second-degree assault, third-degree robbery, and second-degree theft. It's a small comfort, maybe, for a community still reeling, but a comfort nonetheless.

This isn't just a story about a robbery; it's a narrative about resilience, about a community that refuses to let such an act define its spirit. It’s about a man, Steven Woo, who deserves to feel safe and respected in his own establishment. And as Mr. Woo recovers, his neighbors and customers are, without a doubt, sending waves of support, a quiet testament to the indelible mark he has made on downtown Portland.