A woman remains hospitalized with life‑threatening injuries after an assault Friday evening on the 700 block of NW Naito Parkway in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood. Police have taken a suspect into custody, and detectives with the bureau’s major crimes and homicide units are investigating.
How police say the attack unfolded
Officers assigned to Central Precinct were notified at 6:07 p.m. on Friday after emergency crews found an injured woman on a sidewalk. Paramedics began treatment at the scene and transported her to a hospital with critical, life‑threatening injuries, according to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau. Officers established a crime scene and closed NW Naito Parkway while detectives collected evidence. Because of the seriousness of the case, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and the Homicide Unit were called in to investigate.
Downtown response and road closures
Local news crews reported police closing roads near the Steel Bridge and the waterfront as officers worked the scene and searched for evidence. KPTV first reported on the downtown response Friday night as officers arrived on scene.
Suspect arrested and charged
Investigators identified the suspect as Roberto M. Velasquez, 64, of Portland. Officers say he went into a nearby apartment, and the Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called in before he surrendered at about 11:29 p.m. Velasquez was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center early Saturday on charges including Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to the Portland Police Bureau. The bureau asked anyone with information or video who has not already spoken with police to submit a tip through the city’s tip portal.
Old Town's recent incidents
The riverfront and Old Town area have seen other high profile violent incidents this month, including a late night shooting near Tom McCall Waterfront Park on May 6 that left one man dead and another injured, as reported by KXL. The cluster of incidents has kept detectives busy and left the waterfront under increased law enforcement attention.
The investigation into Friday’s assault remains active. Police said they will release additional information as it becomes available and urged anyone with footage or relevant details to come forward.
