OLCC launches ‘administrative investigation’ into Portland dispensary after deadly shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Oregon’s marijuana industry regulators are looking into “possible administrative violations” after a deadly double shooting at a North Portland dispensary.

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission announced on Friday that it has launched an administrative investigation into the incident at La Mota’s North Portland store.

Jason Steiner — an employee at the marijuana retailer’s St. Johns location — was accused of fatally shooting 18-year-old King Lawrence and 20-year-old Tahir Burley as they allegedly attempted to rob the store on Oct. 3.

The Portland Police Bureau revealed they are still searching for a third robbery suspect.

Thirty-four-year-old Steiner turned himself in to law enforcement earlier this week . Following his arrest, the Gresham resident faces two counts of second-degree murder and attempted murder.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday.

According to officials, La Mota has reported the dispensary is now closed and the owners have not set a re-opening date for the location. The company has been an OLCC licensee since November 2020.

The agency also said Steiner’s worker permit has been valid since May 2023, and neither he nor the dispensary had any prior violations issued by the OLCC. La Mota has, however, reported four other robberies at its dispensary on North St. Louis Avenue.

“The OLCC is responsible for regulating the sale and distribution of cannabis in Oregon and takes such incidents seriously to ensure compliance with safety and legal standards,” the commission said.

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