A group assaulted another group using fireworks in downtown Portland, causing injuries to two people, and Arson Investigators are asking for public assistance.

On Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 12:03p.m., Central Precinct officers were notified of a group throwing items such a smoke grenade at another group in the area of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Main Street. A PPB Sergeant began monitoring the situation and gathering available resources, although there were only a few officers available in the precinct. Updated information was that paint and larger fireworks were being thrown, and significant explosions were heard in the area. The sergeant requested the callers try to drive away to meet officers at another location in an attempt to deescalate the situation and allow officers to investigate. The group was able to drive away and meet with officers nearby.

They learned that two people had been hurt by mortars. One adult male had an injury to the hand, an adult female complained of hearing loss. There was also evidence balloons filled with paint and/or other substances were thrown at people and vehicles. The injured victims planned to seek medical care on their own and were not transported.

Once sufficient resources were in place, officers set up a crime scene at the location of the incident. Portland Police and Portland Fire & Rescue Arson Investigators responded to the scene. The suspects had left the scene and no immediate arrests were made, but the investigation is continuing.

If anyone has information about this incident, including any video and/or photographic evidence, and has not already spoken to police, they're asked to e-mail crimetips@portlandoregon.gov attn: Arson Unit and reference case number 22-114219.

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