The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is appealing to the public to assist in locating a suspect implicated in two violent stabbings that occurred on Christmas Eve. The first incident, which took place near the 3000 Block of Northeast Weidler Street, resulted in a 20-year-old male sustaining a neck injury. Despite a swift response at around 3:30 p.m., efforts by multiple officers to find the assailant were in vain.
The same day, a second call followed describing an assault at Northeast 24th Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street, where a 67-year-old male was discovered with neck and head wounds. Medical teams transported both victims to a local hospital, from which they have since been discharged. The PPB's Major Crimes Unit has been diligently investigating these cases throughout the holiday season and has named 54-year-old Richard Scott Stuart as the suspect, according to a statement obtained by the Portland Police Bureau.
An arrest warrant for Stuart has been issued, citing two counts of Attempted Murder, among other charges. The PPB urges anyone who encounters Stuart to contact 911 immediately and cautions against attempting to detain him personally. It is also believed that Stuart may be utilizing public transportation systems.
The PPB encourages anyone with information relevant to these incidents, who has not yet spoken with law enforcement, to reach out via [email protected]. The case numbers to reference are 25-351594 and 25-351601, according to the PPB's news release. As the search continues, the community's cooperation is vital in ensuring swift justice and the prevention of further harm.
