Vandalism During Downtown Rally and March Leads to Arrests

Press Release

Multiple criminal suspects were arrested and paint cans were seized after acts of vandalism took place during a downtown rally and march.

Multiple criminal suspects were arrested after acts of vandalism took place during a downtown rally and march.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Portland Police Bureau's Demonstration Liaison Officers, dialogue personnel who focus on collaborating with event participants, spoke face to face with people gathered in Tom McCall Waterfront Park near the Battleship Oregon Memorial. At 6:50 p.m., the group began to march. Officers monitoring the march witnessed some suspects engaged in applying graffiti. Law enforcement from the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police made targeted arrests on specifically those suspects. One vehicle was stopped because police had probable cause to arrest two people in the vehicle. In all, five people were arrested. Criminal activity stopped and the marchers continued on for a time before disbanding.

Portland Police officers arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC):

Julia Jacobson, 22, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Unlawfully Applying Graffiti (Class A Violation), and Attempted Aggravated Harassment (Class A Misdemeanor)

Andrew S. Bolen, 29, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Possession of a Graffiti Implement (Class A Violation)

Oregon State Police Mobile Response Team (MRT) arrested and booked into MCDC:

Allstair M. Sidener, 19, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

Harmony Adcox, 31, Interfering with a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor)

William J. Leahy, 21, Interfering with a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)

Evidence of criminal mischief, including paint cans, were seized (photos).

The City of Portland is deploying cleaning crews to remove or cover the graffiti.

For more information about PPB's response to public order events, see our website: https://www.portland.gov/police/community/public-order

Our Goals During Public Events:

• Protect First Amendment Rights: We ensure everyone can peacefully assemble and express their free speech.
• Maintain Peace and Safety: We work to prevent violence and damage to public and private property.
• De-escalation First: We discourage confrontations between opposing groups to avoid violence and ensure community safety.
• Follow-Up Investigations: Even if immediate arrests aren't made, we investigate criminal behavior that occurs during public events.

A recent episode of the Talking Beat Podcast, produced by the Portland Police Bureau, delves into the complexities of maintaining public order at large-scale events that require a police presence. PPB public order experts discuss the planning, coordination, and science behind public order management. They also explain the Incident Command System, the role of Event Liaisons, as well as their own experiences with crowd dynamics and strategies used to keep events safe while upholding First Amendment rights.

This podcast also discusses PPB's layered approach when it comes to managing public order. This strategy involves several progressive steps to handle issues as they arise, focusing on de-escalation and maintaining safety while ensuring individuals can exercise their rights.

• Event Liaisons serve as the first line of communication with organizers, helping to facilitate lawful and peaceful demonstrations.
• Bicycle Officers are deployed next to address specific tension points without impacting the broader crowd.
• If tensions grow, a larger police presence is introduced to manage disorder and remove problematic individuals.
• The Rapid Response Team (RRT) is deployed as a final measure when serious criminal behavior occurs, with the goal to restore order and safety.

Listen Now: https://youtu.be/JUT6oBdixz8

Photo descriptions:
Spray paint can, black in color, purple round firework, two paint pens
Various items of property, including can of black spray paint, first aid items, and cans of bear spray
Various items of property, including can of red spray paint

###PPB###