Police say driver crashed into SE Portland Sherwin-Williams, injuring 2

Portland police say a car crashed into a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in Southeast Portland on Tuesday afternoon, injuring two people and causing major damage to the building.

Officers responded around 4:45 p.m. to the 9700 block of Southeast Division Street in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, according to police. KATU reported that the vehicle went through a concrete wall and into the store. Police said the two people hurt were struck by flying debris and that their injuries were not life-threatening.

Investigators identified the driver as 55-year-old John Graff of Troutdale. Police said he left the scene on foot after the crash. As officers were responding, they got a report of a burglary in progress in the 2000 block of Southeast 97th Avenue, where Graff was found and arrested.

Police also said Graff hid a loaded revolver in a mailbox in the 2100 block of Southeast 98th Avenue before the burglary. Officers recovered the firearm.

Graff was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, felon in possession of a firearm, first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, first-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver, and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Crashes that send debris into a business can create injury claims tied to medical care, witness statements, and store damage records. In situations like this, injured people often need to document the scene, their symptoms, and any insurance contact before details fade. For more on collision claims, see our Car Accident Injury page.

Sources

1. Police arrest Troutdale man after car crashes into SE Portland Sherwin-Williams, 2 hurt (opens in a new tab) - KATU, 2026-07-22