Photo: Ford, Brad
The Portland Police Major Crimes Unit is seeking information from the public about a bias crime suspect who targeted a teenager in the Buckman Neighborhood.
On December 29, 2023 at 2:24p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of East Burnside Street and Southeast 28th Avenue. Officers learned that a suspect yelled racial slurs and spit on a victim in the area of East Burnside and Southeast 24th Avenue, then followed her as she tried to walk away from him. One officer responded to the scene while others looked for the suspect, who had walked off. Officers confirmed no one was injured at the scene, but that the case was a potential bias crime incident as the suspect subjected the victims to offensive physical contact based on the suspect’s perception of the victims’ race.
The victim was a 16-year-old female who was with her 11-year-old brother at the time, and both were targeted by bias-based statements by the suspect. The officer did an initial on-scene investigation, then notified the Major Crimes Unit, which is responsible for investigating bias crimes. The case was assigned, and follow-up investigation was done. Investigators’ efforts to locate or identify the suspect have not been successful.
The Portland Police Bureau is releasing the attached photographs of the suspect in an effort to solicit tips that may help advance this case. He is described as a Caucasian male in his 40’s or 50’s, about 5’10” tall, skinny, balding with sandy blonde hair and beard, a black winter coat, blue jeans, and black shoes. Anyone who has information about this incident, or the identity and location of this suspect, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: Bias Crimes Unit and reference case number 23-334800.
The Portland Police Bureau investigates all reports of bias-motivated crimes and encourages any member of our community who is the victim of such a crime to contact law enforcement. Under Oregon law, bias crimes are defined as any criminal act that targets a victim based on the suspect's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or national origin. Detectives work to determine whether or not bias elements are present during the reported crime that align with Oregon law as defined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS):
* ORS 166.165 - Bias Crime in the First Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.165
* ORS 166.155 - Bias Crime in the Second Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.155
If you have been the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you have been the victim of a different bias crime and the suspect is no longer present, such as vandalism or graffiti, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
Source: Portland Police Bureau