Suspect arrested for assault and intimidation

September 13, 2002 00:00

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On Tuesday September 10, 2002, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Detectives from the Sexual Assault and Bias Crimes Unit and Uniform Officers arrested 23-year-old Neil Michael Jefferson on one count of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Intimidation in the Second Degree in connection with the assault of an African-American male who suffers from a mental illness.

The incident occurred on August 16, 2002, when the victim was riding on a TriMet bus en route to the Milwaukie area. The victim struck up a conversation with Jefferson. During the conversation, Jefferson took offense to some hand gestures the victim was making and struck him approximately 10 times with a closed fist. The victim was unconscious after the first few blows and suffered a broken jaw and other head injuries. A witness overheard the suspect use a racial epithet during the course of the assault.

Jefferson was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Facility.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Detective Brian Grose at 503-823-0897.

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Public Information Officer:
Sgt. Pete Simpson
Peter.Simpson@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0830
Pager: 503-790-1779

Alternate PIO:
Lt. Mike Marshman
Michael.Marshman@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0010
Pager: 503-790-1779

Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave, Suite 1526
Portland, Oregon 97204