Man with hatchet threatens Portland arcade patrons

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man armed with a hatchet and machete entered a Northwest Portland arcade, threatening at least dozen people who were inside Saturday afternoon, police said.

Around 3 p.m., the man — who has not yet been publicly identified — went into Ground Kontrol in the area of NW 5th and Couch in Old Town. Ground Kontrol management got the patrons evacuated quickly and safely, said PPB Sgt. Kevin Allen, which opened up opportunities for police to surround the building and de-escalate the situation.

“The management of the arcade did an outstanding job about evacuating. They got people out really quickly, which really opened up our opportunity to isolate the scene, get him surrounded and slow everything down,” Allen said.

At one point, the man allegedly threw the hatchet and machete out of the building.

“It’s a little shocking and it’s a little off putting,” neighbor Brandon Kelly said. “I don’t want to feel uncomfortable in town.”

Both the Crisis Negotiation Team and SERT units responded to the scene. Around 4:30 p.m. the man — who police said appeared to have taken a drug — became drowsy, which allowed authorities to safely get the suspect onto a stretcher.

“We did see him utilizing what we think is some type of narcotics during the negotiation,” Allen said. “He was getting a little sleepy. We thought he was getting affected by the drugs and gave us the opportunity to move up and take him into custody.”

He was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. No one was hurt in the incident.

Streets in the area have re-opened.

Charges are pending.

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