A tense scene unfolded Saturday afternoon at Ground Kontrol, a popular arcade in Northwest Portland, when a man armed with a hatchet and machete entered the establishment, threatening patrons inside. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. at the arcade located near NW 5th and Couch in Old Town.
According to police reports, 44-year-old Bernard Johnson instigated the chaotic situation, prompting quick action from Ground Kontrol management who successfully evacuated the dozen or so patrons present at the time. “Thanks to their swift response, we were able to surround the building and work towards de-escalating the situation,” said Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Kevin Allen.
As the standoff progressed, authorities reported that Johnson threw the hatchet and machete out of the building, indicating a possible de-escalation of his aggressive behavior. The Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) were deployed to the scene to manage the situation.
By approximately 4:30 p.m., Johnson, who police believe may have been under the influence of drugs, appeared to become drowsy. This change in behavior allowed law enforcement to safely transport him onto a stretcher for medical evaluation at a local hospital. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the arcade patrons or staff.
Following the incident, streets in the surrounding area were reopened, allowing normal traffic flow to resume. On Sunday morning, after being evaluated, Johnson was released from the hospital and subsequently booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including menacing and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as an outstanding warrant. The Portland Police Bureau continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring community safety.