Convicted Felon Arrested, Rifles Seized After Gun Task Force Investigation (Photo) – 05/15/15
On March 28, 2015, Gresham Police Department (GPD) officers contacted 58-year-old David Dean Delker and located two AR-15 rifles in his vehicle during a traffic stop.GPD officers learned that one of the rifles had an illegally short barrel, and no manufacturer or serial numbers were applied to either rifle. GPD officers continued to investigate and learned that Delker constructed both rifles by using parts purchased online, later assembling them into functioning firearms. At the time, Delker was released pending further investigation.
GPD investigators learned that Delker resided in the City of Portland and provided information to the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Task Force (GTF). Investigators learned that Delker has a dozen felony convictions.
On May 14, 2015, GTF investigators arrested Delker and served a search warrant at his residence in the 7900 block of Southeast 82nd Avenue.
During the search warrant, officers seized an additional short-barreled AR-15 and a 7.69×51 scoped rifle. Additionally, a third AR-15 was found partially constructed, missing only the lower receiver, which was in an outbuilding ready for machining to be made functional.
Investigators also seized numerous gun parts and components, magazines, ammunition, and other gun-related items indicating that Delker was ordering all necessary parts online to build functional rifles.
Delker was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm (five counts) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (five counts).
The case will be forwarded to the US Attorney’s Office for possible Federal prosecution.
This case and arrest was the result of successful collaboration between the Gresham Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau.The Portland Police Bureau Gun Task Force is continuing to actively investigate gun crimes in the City of Portland.
Anyone with information about gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau’s Tactical Operations Division at (503) 823-4106.
Tips on gun crimes can be emailed to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov.
If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
David Dean Delker
Read Time:44 Minute, 22 Second