PORTLAND, Ore. — A man accused of sexually assaulting three homeless women in Portland was arrested by U.S. Marshals on April 24. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said it believes the man has sexually assaulted more homeless women and is asking other victims to come forward.
A grand jury indicted Zachary L. Andrews on April 10 for sex crimes against three homeless women in Portland between October 2021 and October 2022. On April 24, U.S. Marshals arrested Andrews. He was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center and faces the following charges:
- 3 counts of first-degree rape
- 3 counts of first-degree sex abuse
- 3 counts of strangulation
- 3 counts of fourth-degree assault
- 2 counts of first-degree sodomy
- First-degree unlawful sexual penetration
- First-degree kidnapping
Police said Andrews also goes by the name "Cadillac." They said they believe he has victimized more women "in the local houseless community" and released Andrews' booking photos from 2023 in hopes that other victims will come forward.
"We want anyone who is victimized by this man to come forward so that he faces the consequences for what he’s done ... The houseless community is a vulnerable community, and these sorts of criminal acts playing out in that community just add to the angst," said Mike Benner, a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau.
Andrews was himself homeless at the time of the alleged assaults, but later found housing.
"A lot of people get raped out here; it's the streets," said Angela, who's been homeless on and off for eight years. The weapons she relies on to stay safe are close by — including a stun gun, a knife and pepper spray.
"On the streets, you can't show no fear," Angela said.
"They are doing everything they can to stay hidden and stay protected," said Katie O'Brien, the executive director of Rose Haven, a day shelter for people experiencing abuse and trauma. "Fifty-four percent of women are houseless due to domestic violence ... What's most difficult, I think, is that they recognize the need to leave violence and they're exchanging it for a new violence and living outside."
O'Brien said she sees the need for more gender-specific services to help these women: "Places people can go and be behind a locked door are really important for women living outside."
Anyone with information about crimes involving Andrews is asked to contact Detective Nathan Wollstein at nathan.wollstein@police.portlandoregon.gov. Please reference case number 22-270281.
References
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs support, help is available.
You can contact the Sexual Assault Resource Center at 503-626-9100. They are located at 4900 Southwest Griffith Drive, Suite 135, in Beaverton.
The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or rainn.org. It is available 24/7.
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