Hatchet-Wielding Man Arrested In Downtown Portland Wednesday

PORTLAND, OR — A man who was reportedly wielding a hatchet and knife while threatening vehicles — specifically, and not the occupants of those vehicles — was arrested for disorderly conduct Wednesday morning.

Joseph Louis Dedman, 30, was taken to Multnomah County Jail and will undergo a mental health assessment, according to Portland police.

Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct officers were dispatched just after 6:45 a.m. July 18 after receiving reports that a man was waving a knife and hatchet near Northwest Fifth Avenue and Northwest Everett Street in downtown Portland. When officers arrived in the area, they identified Dedman as the suspect based on 911 caller descriptions — and because he was reportedly holding a knife and hatchet.

Officers reportedly tried to communicate with Dedman but were unsuccessful. Instead, Dedman walked away from officers toward Tom McCall Waterfront Park, near Northwest Couch Street.

Coordinating to ensure public safety, officers again approached Dedman and this time took him into custody without further incident.

Police believe Dedman, earlier than the first reported call, was threatening vehicles and community members in the Old Town/Chinatown area as well, Portland police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Burley said.

Dedman has a long history of disorderly conduct charges in Multnomah County. Wednesday's charge was the seventh Dedman has been issued in 2018 alone. His last arrest for disorderly conduct on March 11 also included a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Anyone who may have been threatened by Dedman, or who has information about Dedman that could assist this investigation, is asked to call the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

Image via Portland Police Bureau