In recent developments concerning a tactical incident in Portland, 43-year-old Joshua J. Hick has been apprehended, the Portland Police Bureau reports. After a tip following his arrest on Monday, Hick was taken to a local hospital as a precaution—fearing he may have ingested a quantity of drugs during the incident. Soon after, it was verified that the initial concern was unfounded; Hick had not consumed any illicit substances.
Hick's claims led to a brief hospital observation period, though any potential drug-related complications were quickly ruled out, as confirmed by law enforcement authorities. Afterward, he was transferred to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) where he is currently facing multiple allegations, the severity of which is underscored by the original suspicion of his hospital admission and law enforcement had considered additional charges may have been on the horizon for Hick, who spun a tale about drug ingestion that turned out to be a ruse.
The charges brought against Hick are serious, with the Portland Police Bureau listing two counts of Burglary in the First Degree and one count of Possession of Burglary Tools, as detailed in a statement. These charges, particularly burglary in the first degree, imply a planned and forcible entry which could carry significant legal penalties upon conviction.
This incident has prompted officials to encourage members of the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, while also reminding residents that fabrication of drug consumption during an arrest can compound legal troubles, which is why Hick's stint in the hospital, albeit brief, was a clear, if failed, attempt to possibly divert the focus of his apprehension could be nothing short of an added complication in his defense.
