Some Acts of Violence and Property Destruction, Crimes Are Under Investigation

Portland Police Badge

August 22, 2021 19:29

Some individuals committed acts of violence and property destruction both in downtown Portland and in the Argay Terrace Neighborhood after some people physically challenged each other.

On Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 12:30p.m., demonstrators started gathering in the area of Salmon Street Springs in Tom McCall Waterfront Park downtown. As the crowd grew, Portland Police observed aggressive behavior toward others in the area. By about 2:30 p.m., several hundred people had gathered at the location.

By 1:30 p.m., a group of people had gathered in a parking lot at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard. At about 4:00 p.m., a small number of people came together and committed acts of violence and destruction at the Northeast Portland location. People were lighting fireworks and dispersing chemical spray, as well as firing what appeared to be paintball and/or airsoft guns. Some property destruction was observed. Most of the involved individuals have left the area.

There were no immediate arrests, but detectives are reviewing evidence to determine whether charges can be brought for any criminal activity. As stated before today's events, officers were not deployed to stand in between individuals intent on confronting one another. But that does not mean the crimes committed will not be addressed. Arrests do not always happen in the moment. As in past such events, we are conducting follow-up investigations, gathering evidence, and will make arrests when probable cause exists that specific persons committed crimes. Just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.

Portland Police Bureau is asking for help identifying victims and witnesses in the following manner:

-If you were a victim of a violent crime, please make a police report by calling the police non-emergency line at (503) 823-3333. Please reference case number 21-681328.

-If you were a victim of a non-violent crime (such as vandalism), go to www.portlandpolice.com/cor. Please reference case number 21-681328.

-If you witnessed a crime or have evidence of a crime, including videos and photos, submit those at crimetips@portlandoregon.gov. Please reference case number 21-681328.

"While it's disappointing that some people chose to engage violently, I am grateful for those who exercised their rights peacefully and without committing crimes," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "I also thank the Portland Police personnel who came in to work today on their day off, and those who were responding to calls for service citywide."

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