“Concrete Milkshakes” Thrown; Three Arrested During Protest
Portland, Oregon – The Portland Police Bureau planned for and responded to several planned, but unpermitted, demonstrations in Downtown Portland on Saturday. Prior to the demonstrations, the Portland Police Bureau disseminated a public information release about the anticipated events and potential impacts. The Portland Police Bureau partnered with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Protective Services, TriMet, Portland Parks Bureau, and Portland Fire and Rescue for these events.
Beginning around noon, groups gathered in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Chapman Square, Lownsdale Park Square, and on the East end of the Hawthorne Bridge. A baseball bat was surrendered to police at Lownsdale Park Square by a participant.
Officers were in the area to facilitate free speech and promote public safety. The groups in Chapman Square and Lownsdale Park Square merged, then began marching toward Waterfront Park. This was an unpermitted march and was impeding vehicular traffic for a short time. The group entered Waterfront Park, then marched toward Pioneer Square where a separate group was gathered. Officers formed a skirmish line to keep the groups separate for their safety. Area transit was impacted sporadically during the event.
During the events, there were multiple assaults reported, as well as projectiles thrown at demonstrators and officers. There were also reports of pepper spray and bear spray being used by people in the crowd. Officers deployed pepper spray during the incident.
There were reports of individuals throwing “milkshakes” with a substance mixed in that was similar to a quick drying cement. One subject was arrested for throwing a substance during the incident.
Portland Fire Medics were embedded with the Portland Police Bureau members for the event in order to facilitate providing medical assistance quickly. The medics treated eight people, including three police officers during the event. As police were approached or notified of injured parties, the medics were able to quickly respond and treat those impacted. Three community members received treatment at area hospitals after they were assaulted with weapons.
Two officers were pepper sprayed during the incident and were treated. Another officer was punched in the arm by a demonstrator and sustained non-life threatening injury. Another officer sustained a non-life threatening head injury from a projectile.
Pioneer Courthouse Square was closed for about an hour due to volatile behavior impacting public safety. The volatile behavior was determined to be a civil disturbance. A dispersal order was given repeatedly due to the public disorder demonstrated by participants. After the dispersal order, the following arrests were made:
* Gage Halupowski, 23 years-old, Charged with Assault II and Assault on a Public Safety Officer (Photo not available at time of release),
* James K. Stocks, 21 years-old, Charged with Harassment.
* Maria C. Dehart, 23 years-old, Charged with Disorderly Conduct II and Harassment.
“Demonstration events are very fluid in nature and the management of these events is complex,” said Assistant Chief Chris Davis. “There are hundreds of peaceful free speech events in the City in a given year that do not result in violence. Unfortunately, some community members and officers were injured. We are actively investigating these incidents to hold those responsible accountable.”
Police are asking anyone who witnessed or have video of the violent assaults that occurred on SW Morrison between 5th and 6th Avenues, to send the information to [email protected]
The Police Bureau is aware that several instances of criminal behavior were filmed and broadcast on various media platforms. These crimes may include, but are not limited to: Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, Assault, Criminal Mischief, and Theft. Investigators will be conducting follow-up which may lead to arrests at a later time. Victims of a crime during these protest events are encouraged to file a police report by contacting non-emergency dispatch at (503) 823-3333.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, the Portland Police Bureau provided information and updates on Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Officers are required to write reports after any use of force. The Bureau reviews force incidents to determine if members’ actions were within Police Bureau policy. The policies that direct Bureau members’ actions regarding complaint intake, crowd management, force application and review, and weapons qualifications may be found in the following Portland Police Bureau directives:
* 0330.00 Internal Affairs, Complaint Intake and Processing: https://www.portlandoregon.
* 0336.00 Police Review Board: https://www.portlandoregon.
* 635.10 Crowd Management/ Crowd Control: https://www.portlandoregon.
* 1010.00 Use of Force: https://www.portlandoregon.
* 1021.00 Weapons Qualifications: https://www.portlandoregon.
Commendations or complaints about officer conduct should be directed to the Office of Independent Police Review (IPR) at https://www.portlandoregon.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a minimum $250 cash reward to anyone who reports a convicted felon and tipsters can remain anonymous. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for other unsolved felony crimes – $2,500 for unsolved homicides.
Submit an anonymous tip:
Text CRIMES (274637) – Type 823HELP, followed by the tip.
Online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.
Call 503-823-HELP (4357)
Visit http://tipsoft.com to download the TipSubmit app.
Featured Image courtesy of News Partner KGW.
