Portland police seek video witnesses in deadly downtown box cutter attack

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Portland detectives are asking people who saw a box cutter attack in downtown Portland Thursday afternoon — including anyone who recorded video — to contact police.

Detectives said Friday the two people who were hurt and the man who police say attacked them did not know each other. Investigators believe there are people in the community who saw what happened or what led up to it and have not yet spoken with police.

Anyone with information or video is asked to email homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 26-301198.

The attack happened at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the 400 block of Southwest Broadway. Central Precinct officers were sent to the area after reports of a man assaulting and threatening people.

Police said officers arrived about three minutes later and saw the attack happening. An officer shot the man, police said.

Officers gave the man first aid until paramedics arrived. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

Two people hurt in the attack were also taken to a hospital. Police said their injuries are serious, but they are expected to recover.

Police said officers found a box cutter with a broken blade at the scene.

“Officers interrupted a violent attack in progress, and I’m gratified to hear that the victims are going to recover,” Chief Day said after going to the scene Thursday. “I’m saddened by the events here in Downtown Portland as a man died, and any loss of life is a tragedy for our community.”

Traffic was blocked for hours in the area of Southwest Fifth Avenue to Southwest Park, and Southwest Oak Street to Alder Street, police said.