A Portland police officer shot and killed an assault suspect in downtown Portland on Thursday afternoon, October 15, 2026, after the man reportedly attacked bystanders with a box cutter. Two victims sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, which prompted a massive police response near Southwest Broadway.
Violent Confrontation on Southwest Broadway
The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when police received reports of a man assaulting people near the 400 block of Southwest Broadway. According to Sgt. Kevin Allen, the situation was a major priority call that drew every available officer in the precinct to the scene. Witnesses described the suspect moving through the area acting erratically, including entering a local business where he flailed his arms, cried, and threw down his phone, wallet, and a small fanny pack.
As soon as I saw him come through the door, I went to stop him from being further inside my business, and he started screaming at me that I was supposed to have a gun for him.
Kate Bolling, owner of Oregon Wines on Broadway
Witnesses reported the suspect attacking bystanders on the sidewalk. Samuel Meche, a hotel valet, stated the man initially hit people before being briefly immobilized by three bystanders. The suspect then produced a box cutter and attacked a security guard, later running into a nearby café where he stabbed a worker. Meche described helping the victim apply pressure to their wounds until help arrived. Police confirmed they recovered a box cutter with a broken blade at the scene.
Police Intervention and Suspect Fatality
An officer fired shots, striking the man. Officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived, but the suspect died despite those efforts. Portland Police Chief Bob Day noted that the event serves as a reminder of the demands placed on first responders managing conflicts on city streets.
Officers interrupted a violent attack in progress, and I’m gratified to hear that the victims are going to recover.
Chief Bob Day, Portland Police Bureau
Two men who were cut by the suspect were transported to a hospital. While their injuries were described as very serious, they are expected to survive. Traffic was blocked for several hours in the area of Southwest Fifth Avenue, Southwest Park, and Southwest Oak Street to Alder Street while investigators processed the scene.
Ongoing Investigation by Multnomah County
The Portland Police Bureau’s Detective Division is currently working to get a full picture of the events. Vasquez emphasized that his office is overseeing the investigation to carefully parse through the facts.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said that whenever the office sees the loss of life, it is a horrible tragedy, no matter the circumstances, and that his office is there as they do in each and every case to oversee the investigation.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information regarding the incident who has not yet spoken with investigators contact the Portland Police Bureau. The investigation remains active as officials seek a comprehensive review of the incident.