On Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 2:05 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the area of Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Ash Street on a report of a disturbance.

Officers responded and contacted the adult victim who drove to Northwest 2nd Avenue and Northwest Davis Street where they waited for officers to arrive. During the investigation, Officers learned that the victim was smoking a cigarette near Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Ash Street when approached by three male suspects.

The suspects made derogatory comments about the victim's sexual orientation and gender identity. One of the suspects then threw an empty aluminum can at the victim's head and a struggle ensued between them. The suspect then broke the windshield of the victim's vehicle. The victim got into their vehicle and drove to Northwest 2nd Ave and Northwest Davis Street to wait for officers.

Officers searched the area but did not locate the suspects during the search. The suspects were described as three white males in their twenties.

The victim suffered minor injuries and did not require transport by ambulance to an area hospital.

Based on information learned at this time, investigators believe this may be a bias crime related to the person's sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Bias Crime Detail is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information, including video surveillance footage, of this incident should contact the Detective Divisions Bias Crime Detail Detective at 503-823-0479.

The Bureau investigates all reports of bias-motivated crimes and encourages any member of our community who is the victim of such a crime to contact law enforcement. Under Oregon law, bias crimes are defined as any criminal act that targets a victim based on the suspect's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Detectives work to determine whether or not bias elements are present during the reported crime that align with Oregon law as defined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS):

* ORS 166.165 - Intimidation in the First Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.165
* ORS 166.155 - Intimidation in the Second Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.155

If you have been the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you have been the victim of a different bias crime and the suspect is no longer present, such as vandalism or graffiti, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

To learn more about bias crime investigations and reported bias/hate crime statistics within the City of Portland, please visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/77066

Additionally, the City of Portland is a partner in Portland United Against Hate, which is a community initiated partnership of Community Based Organizations, Neighborhood Associations, concerned communities and the City. To learn more, please visit https://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/72583

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