4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

On Thursday afternoon, a man was arrested in Southeast Portland following an extended standoff with police officers. The Portland Police Bureau reported that the 33-year-old man, identified as Nathan Eric Robinson, was taken into custody after hours of negotiation efforts from the Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team.

The incident began at approximately 9:15 a.m. when a rapid response worker was in the process of clearing a homeless camp in the Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Steele Street area. During this time, Robinson reportedly threatened the worker with a gun, leading to immediate police intervention. Despite several attempts to get Robinson to surrender peacefully, he refused to cooperate, which subsequently led to the lengthy standoff with law enforcement officials.

Authorities on the scene reported that a police dog bit Robinson while he was being captured. However, his injuries were minor, and he was transferred to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Upon his release from the hospital, Robinson will be held at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges including unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public, menacing, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The incident sparked concerns about the safety of the rapid response worker, the police officers involved in the standoff, and nearby residents. The incident highlights the dangers of attempting to dismantle homeless encampments, given the potential risks of active resistance from those unwilling to abandon their current living situations.

The swift apprehension of Robinson was a testament to the effective coordinated efforts of the Portland Police Bureau, and how the tactical team and crisis negotiators work in tandem to resolve high-risk situations. While the incident was a harrowing experience, it underscores the importance of crisis management skills for law enforcement officers, particularly in dealing with situations involving weapons.

Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and tactical protocols for law enforcement officers in ensuring the safety of the public and themselves, particularly in situations where violent resistance may be encountered.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.