Arrest Made in Menacing Case During Downtown Disturbance (Photo)

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August 12, 2021 16:58

A man is facing charges after pointing a rifle at people during a disturbance Sunday.

On August 8, 2021 in the early afternoon, there were disturbances in Downtown Portland following an event held in McCall Waterfront Park. As part of those disturbances, a subject, Mark A. Lee, 23, of Portland, appeared wearing camouflage, a military-style tactical vest, and carrying a realistic looking airsoft rifle which appeared to be an AR-15 rifle. Lee called 911 claiming several people were following him. He was instructed to walk to Central Precinct where officers received him, issuing him commands (with which he complied), and confirmed the rifle was not a firearm as defined by state law.

During this time, there were limited officers available due to several priority incidents occurring in Central Precinct including a homicide investigation and managing a subject in crisis related to an armed robbery. Patrol supervisors were monitoring the event and preparing resources for a response should it be needed. However, the event ended before resources were available. Officers ultimately released Lee pending further investigation. Following the disturbances, police encouraged anyone who had been the victim of a crime to come forward and make a report.

On August 9, 2021, the Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) adopted the case and gathered significant video evidence from open source media which showed Lee pointing the realistic looking firearm towards at least two people. Central NRT was also able to identify and speak with witnesses, and identify a victim. Based on those interviews, and the video/photographs recovered, probable cause was developed to arrest Lee. On August 12, 2021, Central NRT went to Lee’s home address where he was arrested. The airsoft rifle, camouflage shirt, and military style tactical vest were seized as evidence (photos). Lee was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center under charges of Menacing (3 counts) and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree.

While some arrests are made shortly after police are called to investigate an alleged crime, it is not unusual for officers to wait to make an arrest when additional investigation is required before appropriate charges can be brought. Central NRT coordinated and consulted with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Strategic Prosecution and Services Unit and the investigation is continuing. Central NRT continues to seek witnesses from this incident and requests that anyone with information e-mail them at crimetips@portlandoregon.gov with special attention to Central NRT. Please reference case number 21-219221.

Photo 1 description: black airsoft rifle with a sticker lays on a table next to a magazine and sling

Photo 2 description: green and tan camouflage tactical vest with several pouches and pockets attached, a gas mask, black airsoft rifle, and 7 knives all displayed on a table

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