According to authorities, a guy holed himself aboard a TriMet bus blocks away after firing rounds just after noon on Wednesday near Northwest Fifth Avenue and Glisan Street.
According to Portland Police spokesperson Terri Wallo Strauss, the subject dropped the pistol out an open window and was now alone himself inside the bus.
At least a dozen officers could be seen standing behind the bus, which was halted just west of the Steel Bridge at Northwest Glisan Street and Third Avenue, according to footage obtained at the scene at roughly 1 p.m. At the front of the car was a figure wearing a white jacket.
As cops attempted to persuade the man to leave the bus, announcements were played over a loudspeaker.
An officer called out, “Perhaps we can convince you to go to the hospital.” We can assist you if you open the doors.
Tara Faul, a local photographer, reported seeing a man going through a mental health crisis on Wednesday when she was distributing blankets in the neighborhood. Faul reported that after five or six shots were fired, the man rushed onto the bridge and stood in the center of the lane, waving down a bus.
She claimed that as they opened the door and he rushed inside, everyone on the bus suddenly started fleeing in a panic down the street.
According to dispatch data, there are at least 20 units on the scene. The area’s streets are closed.
TriMet reports that police activity has caused disruptions to MAX light rail service. The transit agency’s spokeswoman declined to comment further.
There will be updates on this breaking news story.
For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Zane Sparling reports on court proceedings and breaking news. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-319-7083, or pdxzane.
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