A routine elevator ride in North Portland turned into a chemical nightmare, according to prosecutors, who say a man blasted a woman and her dog with bear spray inside an apartment building on Dec. 15, 2025. The woman reported burning on her arms, and several residents and responding officers later began coughing from the lingering spray. Court filings identify the suspect as 53-year-old Nathaniel Jon Geigle, who was arrested on April 28, arraigned on April 30, and is being held in the Multnomah County Jail ahead of a May 15 hearing.
Prosecutors describe the attack
According to KATU, court documents say the confrontation started when the suspect told the woman to stay off the elevator because he was afraid of dogs. She got on anyway and moved to the opposite corner of the car. Prosecutors say the man then pulled out bear spray and discharged it toward her and the dog. Surveillance footage reviewed by prosecutors reportedly shows the dog on a tight leash and calm before the spray was used, and multiple residents and officers later coughed from the irritant that hung in the air.
Where it happened
City housing records list 7690 N. Interstate Ave as the apartment complex where the attack occurred, a North Portland address that appears on a municipal list of open housing cases. Per City of Portland records, the property is recorded among recent housing cases for the neighborhood.
Charges and legal context
Under Oregon law, assault in the fourth degree covers intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury, while the state separately penalizes the improper discharge of tear gas or similar chemical agents. Animal abuse offenses are laid out in Chapter 167 of the Revised Statutes. Incidents involving bear spray have surfaced around the region in recent years, including a 2024 episode at Washington Square Mall that led to arrests, as previously reported in a bear spray mall clash. For the specific statutory language, see ORS 163.160 and ORS 167.320, which define assault in the fourth degree and certain animal abuse offenses.
Defendant, prior record and next hearing
Prosecutors and court documents identify the suspect as Nathaniel Jon Geigle, 53, and say he was arrested on April 28 and arraigned on April 30. The filings list charges including fourth-degree assault, attempted animal abuse and unlawful use of a stun gun, tear gas or mace, according to KATU. Court records cited in that reporting describe a lengthy criminal history, at least nine felony convictions, nine misdemeanors and six parole violations. Geigle remains in Multnomah County Jail pending a May 15 hearing, when prosecutors are expected to return to court to set additional dates and address pretrial conditions.
