A bizarre rampage erupted in Southwest Portland when a 42-year-old woman took to stabbing occupied cars and setting a vehicle ablaze. Police arrested Elishama M. Mathews on charges of arson and menacing after her Thursday afternoon spree.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, authorities responded to Southwest Barbur Boulevard and Southwest 26th Avenue after receiving reports of a woman brandishing a knife in traffic. They were able to quickly detain Mathews, who seemed to be in a mental health crisis, and who eventually agreed to toss away the knife and surrender.
Scenes of chaos followed as officers were soon alerted to a vehicle engulfed in flames nearby. The Portland Fire & Rescue extinguished the fire which officials say Mathews ignited after damaging two passing cars with her knife. Thankfully, the incident resulted in no injuries.
Mathews now faces serious legal repercussions, with charges including Arson in the Second Degree and two counts each of Menacing and Criminal Mischief. "Portland Fire & Rescue responded and extinguished the flames," detailed the police statement. These developments come as part of a joint effort by the Portland Fire Investigations Unit, which unites fire and law enforcement officers to investigate crimes involving fire.
All officers of the Portland Police Bureau, whose prompt response subdued the escalation of this incident, are trained in crisis intervention. The bureau also maintains a dedicated Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team, specializes in managing situations involving individuals in mental health crises. Mathews's actions have brought her under custody in the Multnomah County Detention Center, where she awaits further proceedings.
