Portland Police Standoff With Armed Man Ends After Hours Of Talking

PORTLAND, OR — After keeping police at bay for around 5 hours, a man who held a gun at his own head is at a local hospital being evaluated, according to Portland police. They said that officers arrived by the intersection of Southeast 129th Avenue and Southeast Division Street after getting a report of a two car-crash.

Police said that the man held the gun to his head after first pointing it a driver with whom he'd been in a crash. The crash happened by the intersection of Southeast Division Street and Southeast 129th Avenue just before 9 a.m., police said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they were told that the man refused to get out of his car, according to police. Police said that the officers called for backup from the bureau's Special Emergency Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team.

"The use of the Special Emergency Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team as a way to deescalate the situation allowed for this person to be safely taken to the hospital and receive the care he needs," Assistant Chief Jamie Resch said who was at the scene.

"We appreciate the cooperation of the businesses and residents who were impacted by this closure. I would also like to thank all the members working East Precinct and SERT/CNT for their teamwork and compassion to safely resolve this incident."

The man, who was not arrested, is not being identified, police said.

Southeast Division Street was closed between Southeast 125th Avenue and Southeast 136th Avenue for around 5 hours.

People are advised to avoid the area, according to police.