The Portland Police Bureau is reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a brutal assault against a woman in an incident that appears to have racial undertones. This violent attack occurred near the intersection of West Burnside Street and Northwest Broadway in Old Town last month.
The incident has raised significant concern within the Portland community, highlighting ongoing issues related to public safety and racial tensions. The nature of the attack not only points to individual violence but also underscores the broader societal challenges related to hate crimes and discrimination.
Authorities responded to reports of a disturbance shortly after midnight on April 24. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman suffering from significant injuries to her head and leg. The victim recounted to the police that she was simply walking when an unknown assailant approached her and launched an unprovoked attack. According to the police report, the suspect initially struck the woman with a punch and proceeded to kick and stomp on her while she lay on the ground.
Surveillance footage from St. André Bessette Catholic Church captured the harrowing events of the assault. After the attack, the victim was able to communicate with law enforcement before being transported by medical teams to a nearby hospital for treatment. Given the circumstances surrounding the attack, particularly the victim’s claim that the assailant made a racially charged remark during the incident, authorities are treating this case as a bias crime.
The suspect is described as a Black male, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, and weighing approximately 200 pounds. The Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating this disturbing case and is urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in identifying the perpetrator.
