A suspect has been taken into custody following two random stabbings in downtown Portland that left the victims seriously injured. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) reported that the incidents occurred on Saturday night, with officers responding to calls just after 10:30 p.m. in Pioneer Courthouse Square and just after 11 p.m. in the 700 block of Southwest Tenth Avenue.
In the first attack, a man was found with a stab wound to his neck. He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive. Shortly after, officers arrived at the second incident where a man had been stabbed in the chest. He was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover.
Believing that the same suspect was responsible for both stabbings, officers conducted a search near the second crime scene. Eventually, an officer spotted the suspect near Southwest 14th Avenue and Southwest Alder Street. Although the suspect attempted to run, he was apprehended and will be identified once charges are filed.
The police suspect that there may be additional victims from the stabbings, as well as crucial evidence possibly removed from the area between Southwest Tenth Avenue, Southwest Alder Street, Southwest 18th Avenue, and West Burnside Street. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit via crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 23-224921.
According to the PPB, the stabbings were seemingly random and unprovoked. The major crimes team is currently conducting an investigation into the incidents, and there is a focus on gathering any available information to shed light on the circumstances.
It is a concerning incident that has left the community on edge, with Portland residents hoping for swift justice for the victims and a thorough investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
