6 arrested after rightists, leftists face off in Portland

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) – Portland police arrested six people after a face-off between right-wing Patriot Prayer members and left-wing counter-demonstrators.

KOIN reports the arrests came after six hours of rallies, chants and skirmishes on Saturday.

Five were charged with interfering with a peace officer, including one who also faces a disorderly conduct charge. A sixth person is charged with harassment.

Oregonian/OregonLive reports the day began with a rally in support of survivors of sexual assault organized by Portland Popular Mobilization. It drew about 200 people.

Patriot Prayer member Haley Adams separately hosted a #HimToo rally countering the #MeToo movement. About 40 people attended.

Federal and municipal police kept the groups separate for most of the day.

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Portland Police Bureau news release:

On Saturday, November 17, 2018, during protest events near Terry Schrunk Plaza and Chapman Square Park, six people were arrested.

The General Services Administration, the federal agency responsible for Terry Schrunk Plaza, approved a permit for a group to use the plaza today. As part of the General Services Administration permit, the permit holder had the authority to determine who could and could not enter the park while the permit was in effect. In preparation for today’s permit, the Federal Protection Service erected fencing around the perimeter of Terry Schrunk Plaza.

There was also a demonstration in Chapman Square today. Prior to today’s events, PPB closed a portion of Chapman Square under Portland City Code 20.12.190(B). The area closure was an attempt to use an existing tool to facilitate a peaceful event while minimizing the opportunity for groups to clash violently. The intention of the closure of this portion provided a cushion between the two groups so differing opinions could be voiced, but the potential for violence reduced.

During today’s events, there were multiple assaults reported, as well as projectiles thrown at demonstrators and officers. Officers observed sticks, glass bottles, lit road flares, bottles filled with a substance believed to be urine, and gopher gas used as projectiles.

“The Portland Police Bureau spent considerable time planning for today’s demonstration and counter demonstration,” said Chief Danielle Outlaw. “We used significant resources and attempted to keep opposing groups apart, both when they were in the parks and as they traveled through downtown. Our goal was to keep all people in the community safe.”

At this time, the Police Bureau is aware that the following riot control agents and less lethal impact munitions were used in response to the violent and assaultive behavior of the crowd and after the crowd failed to disperse in response to police orders:

Rubber Ball Distraction Device http://www.defense-technology.com/products/tactical-devices/stinger-rubber-ball/stinger-60-caliber-rubber-balls-w-safety-clip-1152900.html#start=1 or http://www.defense-technology.com/products/tactical-devices/rubber-ball-blast/rubber-ball-blast-grenade-inert-1012946.html#start=1

Throughout the afternoon and evening, the Portland Police Bureau provided information and updates on Twitter, including photos of the weapons and items seized throughout the day: https://twitter.com/PortlandPolice

The Police Bureau is aware that several instances of criminal behavior were filmed and broadcast on a various media platforms. These crimes may include, but are not limited to: Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Theft, and Reckless Burning. Investigators will be conducting follow-up which may lead to arrests at a later time. If you were the victim of a crime during this protest event, you are encouraged to file a police report.

There were six people who were arrested today:

25-year-old Ruben A. Delahuerga was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Delahuerga was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

68-year-old Betsy Toll was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Toll was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

33-year-old Elizabeth L Cheek was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Cheek was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

35-year-old Brittany N. Frost was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Frost was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Interfering with a Peace Officer.

52-year-old Gary Fresquez was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Madison Street. Fresquez was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer (two counts).

19-year-old Hannah R McClintock was arrested near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Taylor Street. McClintock was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on a charge of Harassment.

Officers are required to write reports after any use of force. The Bureau reviews force applications to determine if members’ actions were within Police Bureau policy. The policies that direct Bureau members’ actions regarding complaint intake, crowd management, force application and review, and weapons qualifications may be found in the following Portland Police Bureau directives:

0330.00 Internal Affairs, Complaint Intake and Processing: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/674602

0336.00 Police Review Board: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/674632

635.10 Crowd Management/ Crowd Control: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/649358

1010.00 Use of Force: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/647779

1021.00 Weapons Qualifications: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/647799

Commendations or complaints about officer conduct today should be directed to the Office of Independent Police Review (IPR) at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/ipr/26646?

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a minimum $250 cash reward to anyone who reports a convicted felon and tipsters can remain anonymous. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for other unsolved felony crimes – $2,500 for unsolved homicides.

Submit an anonymous tip:

Text CRIMES (274637) – Type 823HELP, followed by the tip.

Online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php

Call 503-823-HELP (4357)

Visit http://tipsoft.com to download the TipSubmit app.

Inquiries regarding arrests, force, and law enforcement actions taken by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) should be directed to FPS.