Portland Police Bureau
08/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2024 06:23
UPDATE #2: Suspect In Old Town Menacing Booked into Jail (Photo)
August 04, 2024 05:09
The suspect in this case was released from the hospital and transported to jail by Portland Police. Bernard A. Johnson, 44, of Portland, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a charge of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and an outstanding warrant.
###PPB###
***Original Messages Below***
The man making threats with weapons in the Old Town Neighborhood has been taken into custody.
On Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 3:02 p.m., Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a report of a man threatening community members with a machete and a hatchet in the 100 block of Northwest 5th Avenue. They learned that he had gone into an arcade, which was full with dozens of customers and employees. As officers arrived, the business management was doing a great job of evacuating everyone. Officers surrounded the building, isolating the man so they could slow the call down and deescalate the situation. The man was refusing to give up and communicated that he wanted officers shoot him. Officers could see he was still armed with a hatchet.
Due to the danger to the community, officers closed streets to vehicle, transit, and pedestrian traffic. The Incident Commander requested additional resources and SERT/CNT were activated.
The Crisis Negotiation Team was able to talk to the man from a distance, and worked to develop a rapport with him. Eventually they were able to get him to drop the weapons. CNT negotiators reported that the man appeared to be using drugs, and eventually began to lose consciousness. SERT officers moved up and safely took the man into custody at 4:39 p.m. No injuries were reported.
He remains in police custody and was transported to the hospital by ambulance for a medical evaluation. He will be identified at a later time.
The Portland Police Bureau is grateful to the community members who complied with police requests to evacuate the area during the street closure.
Photo description:
Machete with black handle and silver, partially serrated blade
Hatchet with silver blade, black and yellow handle
###PPB###
***Original Message Below***
The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are responding to a report of an armed man making threats in the Old Town Neighborhood. The incident is taking place in the 100 block of Northwest 5th Avenue. Streets are closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic in a 1 block radius from Northwest 5th Avenue and Northwest Couch Street. Community members are asked to avoid the area for safety. Additional streets may be closed as necessary.
The PIO is responding to the scene. Additional information will be released as appropriate.
###PPB###
*************
Get News Releases from the PPB directly to your inbox.Datasources from the Portland Police Bureau. Social Media and Podcasts from PPB.Media Relations
Police Media Resources
Strategic Communications Unit
[email protected]
Phone: 503-823-0830
1111 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Recent Headlines:
PPB News Archives