In a swift response to a shocking case of animal abuse, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) announced the arrest of 25-year-old Isaac Booker Justham on Saturday, August 17. The arrest follows a disturbing incident that occurred on August 2, when surveillance footage captured Justham allegedly abusing a dog in an elevator of a Northeast Portland apartment building.
The video, which was released by the police, shows Justham violently whipping the dog with a leash and using a heavy rope to inflict harm. Witnesses reported that the abuse ceased momentarily when another person entered the elevator, only to resume once they exited. The footage has sparked outrage within the community and prompted an outpouring of tips that ultimately led to Justham’s identification.
Detectives located Justham at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Pearl District, near Northwest 13th Avenue and Flanders Street. Central Precinct officers assisted in the apprehension. Upon being taken into custody, Justham claimed to have ingested fentanyl and was subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation.
After his release from medical care, Justham was questioned by detectives but remained uncooperative, failing to disclose the whereabouts of the injured dog, which is crucial for ensuring it receives necessary medical treatment. He has been charged with three felony counts of aggravated animal abuse in the first degree, as well as several outstanding warrants.
Under Oregon law, aggravated animal abuse in the first degree is defined as the malicious killing of an animal or the intentional or knowing torture of an animal. The community’s vigilance and prompt reporting played a significant role in the investigation, allowing detectives to conduct surveillance and confirm Justham’s identity.
