Portland unrest sends police sergeant to hospital; officers doused in chemicals, 24 arrested

A Portland police sergeant was sent to the hospital and at least 24 people were arrestedafter demonstrators gathered outside the police union building late Monday and into early Tuesday.

Demonstrations, which have often devolved into riots, have continued in the city for more than 120 days.

This time, five police officers were also sprayed with chemical irritants by demonstrators who first engaged in an unlawful assembly late Monday in the Kenton Neighborhood before marching toward the Portland Police Association headquarters. The sergeant sent to the hospital was punched in the face.

The Portland Police Bureau learned about an unpermitted march set to begin in Kenton Park around 8:45 p.m. Monday, and officers observed many people in the crowd carrying shields and wearing body armor and helmets. Because the “posture of the gathering suggested that it would become violent,”  the bureau said officers moved in to the park and seized shields to “lower the likelihood that members of the gathering would use the shields to protect those intent on committing crimes such as throwing objects at police.”

A silver Subaru sedan, marked with a red cross, signaling it was being used as an amateur medic transport, was spotted driving dangerously in the area and officers conducted a vehicle stop. A loaded handgun was found inside, and the driver was cited for driving uninsured and without a seat belt and failing to signal a turn. The investigation into the firearm is ongoing.