Chaos erupted at a pop-up "rave" on Portland's Eastbank Esplanade early Saturday morning, leading to four individuals suffering stab wounds, including the assailant, in an incident that has riled the city's Southeast Salmon Street. According to a statement from the Portland Police, officers responded to the location around 3:19 a.m. after receiving reports of stabbing at the event, which had drawn hundreds of attendees.
At the scene, the police found four victims with cutting injuries all four victims were conscious and could communicate; the nature of the urgency could not dull the dread that swelled as emergency medical services arrived, two of the individuals had sustained serious injuries, albeit non-life-threatening, and two others were treated for less severe wounds. In a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the suspect, amidst the confusion of multiple altercations that broke out during the party, had brandished a knife resulting in the stabbings before he too was injured and taken into police custody.
Peter M. Chalukian, a 19-year-old from Hillsboro, Oregon, was identified as the suspect. After receiving medical treatment, Chalukian was interrogated by detectives and later on the same day, he was taken to Multnomah County Detention Center, where he faces charges of Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, as stated in the police's official communication. The three adult male victims, alongside the juvenile male, are recovering as investigations continue.
The Portland police are actively looking for more information and witness testimonies to piece together the circumstances surrounding the violent episode, as many potential witnesses departed the scene without speaking to authorities even though detectives are not currently searching for additional suspects, community members with footage or insight into the event are urged to come forward by emailing [email protected] or by anonymously submitting tips through Crime Stoppers of Oregon, which offers up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest in an unsolved felony crime.
