Attempted armed robbery at Portland State-area Schmizza Pub & Grub triggers ongoing police search

Incident reported near PSU late Wednesday

Portland police are searching for a suspect after an attempted armed robbery at Schmizza Pub & Grub near Portland State University, an incident that ended without injuries when the suspect left the business before officers arrived.

The attempted robbery occurred shortly before 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Schmizza Pub & Grub, 415 SW Montgomery Street. Police said a man entered the restaurant, displayed a firearm and demanded property. The employee told the man she would call police, and the suspect ran from the location.

What police have released so far

Investigators have not announced an arrest. Police described the suspect as a white man believed to be in his 30s or 40s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. Officers canvassed the surrounding blocks after the call but did not locate a suspect.

• Location: Schmizza Pub & Grub, 415 SW Montgomery Street, in the downtown/PSU area

• Time: shortly before 10:45 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2026

• Injuries: none reported

• Status: investigation ongoing; suspect not publicly identified

How the event fits into broader public-safety patterns

The case follows a recent series of Portland-area armed robbery investigations that have focused on late-night, customer-facing businesses. In an October 2025 case, police announced an arrest after a weeks-long investigation into multiple armed robberies targeting tavern-type establishments across several neighborhoods. That investigation emphasized the role of cross-agency coordination and public tips in identifying a suspect.

While police have not stated whether the Schmizza incident is connected to any previous cases, the location and timing—near a university campus and during late evening hours—highlight enforcement challenges in districts where foot traffic can remain steady into the night and where businesses rely on limited staffing.

What remains unknown

Police have not released details about what property, if any, the suspect attempted to take, nor whether surveillance video from inside or outside the restaurant captured identifying images. Authorities also have not said whether the displayed firearm was recovered or whether it was confirmed to be operational.

Anyone who witnessed the encounter or has information that could help identify the suspect is asked to contact Portland police.

The investigation remains active. Police have indicated they are still working to determine the suspect’s identity and to establish whether any additional incidents in the area may be related.