A Portland man faces numerous charges after allegedly stalking and stabbing an Oregon Lottery winner multiple times, according to court documents. The assault occurred shortly after the victim, who won $2,000 from a lottery machine, returned home from Montana's Bar on Southeast Stark Street in Portland, the site where he encountered his attacker. An affidavit first reported by The Oregonian and obtained by KOIN 6 News detailed the harrowing series of events that took place the night of Aug. 17.
The victim made his way to his apartment, situated just blocks away on Southeast Ash Street, using his key to unlock a secured gate. It's here, the documents claim, where the assailant, identified as Figueroa, closely followed after catching the gate before it closed completely behind the man. Surveillance video, mentioned in an affidavit obtained by KGW, showed Figueroa tailing the victim, keeping just a few paces behind until they reached the second floor where the victim lived.
Suspected of forcing his way into the victim's apartment, Figueroa is accused of then tackling and pinning the man to the ground, demanding the money while hitting him in the face. The assault left the victim stabbed 15 times, but the specifics surrounding the confrontation, including how the scuffle progressed to such violence, remain under investigation.
Already familiar with the criminal justice system, Figueroa's history dates back to 2021, including charges of auto theft for which he was cited for failing to appear in court four times, and identity theft, which saw him cited eight times for failure to appear, according to KPTV. A neighbor reflecting on Figueroa's absence stated, "He’s a dangerous, bad guy. I can relax about what’s happening in the neighborhood because without him here we don’t have that many problems," signaling a respite from unrest with Figueroa now in custody held on no bail. His history is peppered with missed court dates, including one the day prior to the alleged stabbing, bringing into question the efficacy of systems meant to prevent such acts from occurring. Figueroa is due back in court on August 27, facing multiple charges that include attempted murder.
