Man Assaulted By Transient Protester At Portland City Hall

PORTLAND, OR — A homeless man who apparently joined in the protest at Portland's City Hall on Thursday allegedly struck another man in the face with a pole following an argument about sidewalk access. The group staged in front of City Hall had been demanding action from the city council regarding the Portland Police Bureau's use of force against anti-fascists during a clash with conservative extremists the previous weekend.

William B. Pierce, 33, was taken to Multnomah County Jail following his arrest for felony assault. His bail is set at $250,000.

According to police, Pierce was among those protesting in front of city hall when he and the victim began arguing just before 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9. The victim reportedly retreated back to his truck and tried to leave, but Pierce continued the argument.

While leaving the area in his truck, the victim got hung up at a nearby stoplight. While the victim was stopped, Pierce allegedly approached the truck and hit the man in the face with a pole.

The victim was able to pull away and call police, asking them to meet him near the intersection of Southwest Fourth Avenue and Southwest Madison Street.

After officers heard the man's story, they began searching for someone matching Pierce's description.

(Sign up for our free daily newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Portland Patch)

Pierce was eventually located about 12 blocks away near the intersection of Southwest Fourth Avenue and West Burnside Street. Still holding the pole he allegedly used to hit the man in the face, Pierce was identified and arrested without further incident.

The pole was seized as evidence.

Pierce told interviewing jail officers he's been in the Portland area for the past two months. Records show he does not have any additional criminal history in Oregon.

Following the altercation and arrest, police issued a warning for improper sidewalk use to the group gathered on the west sidewalk of Southwest Fourth Avenue near City Hall.

Demanding the group disperse, officers said all items left behind would be collected by a contracted cleaning service, and anything of value would be stored for 30 days.

Anyone who wants to reclaim any items taken by police is asked to call Pacific Patrol Services at 503-595-3440.

Image via Portland Police Bureau