Suspect Arrested After Series of Assaults in South Tabor Neighborhood

A man was arrested Sunday after Portland Police officers responded to multiple reported assaults in Southeast Portland within a short period of time.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct responded to reports of an assault at a residence in the area of Southeast 67th Avenue and Southeast Brooklyn Street. When they arrived, officers learned that a male suspect entered the home and forced a woman into a room where he assaulted her. At some point, the woman was able to distance herself from the suspect who fled the scene.

Responding officers determined that minutes before this attack, the suspect entered a nearby church where he touched a woman inappropriately before fleeing. In addition to these two incidents, the male is suspected of grabbing two other women who were walking in the neighborhood.

Officers canvassed the area and located a suspect near Southeast 68th Avenue and Southeast Clinton Street. The individual, identified as 43-year-old Judson C. Defir, was arrested and transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC). He was lodged on the following charges: Attempted Rape in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and outstanding warrants. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

"Our thoughts are with the women who experienced these frightening incidents," Chief Bob Day said. "We are grateful for their courage in coming forward. I also want to recognize the swift and coordinated response of our patrol officers and detectives, whose quick actions helped apprehend the suspect and bring a sense of safety back to the neighborhood."

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to these incidents is asked to contact [email protected]… and reference case number 26-74469.

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