Woman Threatened To Take Infant At Shari's: Police

OREGON CITY, OR — A 50-year-old transient woman was arrested in Oregon City on Saturday after police say she tried to take an infant child from a family who was eating at the Berry Hill Shopping Center Shari's.

Pauline Gaines, formerly of Bend, is being held at Clackamas County Jail on a probation violation and one count of disorderly conduct. Charges for harassment and attempted kidnapping were apparently dismissed. Her bail is set at $1,500.

Oregon City police were reportedly called to the Shari's at 19001 Beavercreek Rd. around 8 p.m. Oct. 6. According to officials, officers were told a woman — later identified as Gaines — was threatening to hurt a family if they did not give her their infant child.

By the time police arrived, Gaines was walking away from the restaurant. She was reportedly tackled on the sidewalk and arrested.

Oregon City police spokesman Capt. Shaun Davis on Monday told Patch that he was unable to release more information related to the case while it's under investigation.

Gaines' arraignment was scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. in Clackamas County. County officials noted on county documents, however, that Gaines was unable to be interviewed by recognizance officers "due to mental health."

Gaines' previous criminal history in Oregon includes convictions for child neglect in 1996, possession of various controlled substances, robbery, theft, driving under the influence, harassment, menacing, and coercion — among others.

On Oct. 1, Gaines was arrested in Multnomah County after she allegedly stole from a Winco grocer. She failed to appear in court for her scheduled arraignment on Oct. 2, so a warrant was issued for her arrest.

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Image via Clackamas County Sheriff's Office