On Saturday, October 13, 2018, a demonstration, counter-demonstration and an unpermitted march occurred in Downtown Portland. The protest events and march were held on sidewalks and roadways in the Downtown Portland area over the course of approximately three hours.

Prior to the start of the event, liaison officers attempted to communicate with both groups to help facilitate a safe environment for everyone involved.

During today's event, officers observed people in possession of hard-knuckled gloves, firearms, batons and knives. Officers also observed people use pepper spray. At this time, there are no reports of any weapons that were seized during today's demonstration, counter-demonstration and march.

The Police Bureau is aware that people were assaulted during today's demonstration at an incident in the 400 block of Southwest Washington Street. On scene Portland Fire and Rescue emergency medical technicians provided emergency medical aid to four people during the march. However, the Police Bureau is unaware of anyone being transported by ambulance to area hospitals with injuries as a result of the assaults.

At this time, the Police Bureau is aware that the following riot control agents and less lethal impact munitions were used by officers in response to an assault in progress:

*40 mm Marking Foam Round http://www.defense-technology.com/products/impact-munitions/40-mm-munitions/direct-impact/direct-impact-40-mm-marking-crushable-foam-round-1012836.html#start=11

*FN303 Less Lethal Round https://fnamerica.com/products/less-lethal/projectiles/?referrer=law-enforcement

"The Portland Police Bureau's objectives for today's events were to provide a safe environment for everyone, including participants, non-participants and bystanders," said Chief Danielle Outlaw. "We are aware that there was a large, violent encounter between opposing groups on Southwest Washington Street. Officers responded to the scene and used less lethal munitions to break up the fight and prevent further violence. We will continue to investigate this incident and ask that anyone who was the victim of a crime to come forward and file a report."

Throughout the evening, the Portland Police Bureau provided information to protesters through announcements on a sound truck equipped with long-range acoustic speakers. The purpose of the sound truck announcements is to increase community safety by communicating police expectations and reminding people to peaceably protest. Sound trucks are also used to warn community members of potential force deployment by law enforcement as a means to give individuals an opportunity to avoid force by complying with officer orders.

The Portland Police Bureau also provided information and updates on Twitter, including announcements provided by the sound trucks: https://twitter.com/PortlandPolice

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?

The Police Bureau reminds community members that demonstrations generally do not require any permit from the City of Portland; however, any event held in the street and/or sidewalk, such as runs, walks, marches, parades or bicycle races must have a permit granted by the City of Portland. Additionally, event organizers are encouraged to work with the City of Portland to ensure a safe event for participants and non-participants.

To learn more about the permitting process or to file a request for a permit, please visit the Portland Bureau of Transportation's Special Events page at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/?c=29979

At this time no arrests have been made in relation to incidents that occurred during today's demonstration, counter-demonstration, and march. Members with the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division's Assault Detail will investigate the incident that occurred in the 400 block of Southwest Washington Street. Victims, witnesses or people with knowledge of assaults should contact the Detective Division at 503-823-0479. Anyone with information about other criminal activity during today's events should contact the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau will review video and images of today's events in an attempt to identify people who were involved in criminal activity.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Links can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Submit an anonymous tip:

Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.

Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823

Call 503-823-HELP (4357)

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