Update #3 Suspect from Old Town Machete Threats Incident Identified

The suspect from Wednesday's threats incident is identified as Sony Moan, 44. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree, Escape in the Second Degree, Interfering with a Peace Officer, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

A machete was recovered and seized as evidence (photo).

View full size image of a machete with dirty and stained silver colored blade, handle wrapped in a blue and white cloth, displayed on a table next to a stapler

Photo description: a machete with dirty and stained silver colored blade, handle wrapped in a blue and white cloth, displayed on a table next to a stapler

###PPB### 

***Original Message Below***

Armed Suspect Arrested in Old Town Neighborhood

Released on February 5th, 2025, 8:28 PM

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:03 p.m., Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a report of a threat with a weapon in the 600 block of Northwest Naito Parkway. Officers learned that a suspect was threatening community members with a large, bladed weapon that was described as a machete. When officers arrived, they found the suspect in an apartment complex just north of the Steel Bridge. The officers challenged the suspect from a distance and behind cover, but the suspect stepped toward them, swinging the knife, then tried to walk away. The officers got to a safe location and called in additional units from Central and North Precincts to assist. They were able to contain the suspect in a courtyard area. However, they were concerned about the residents of the apartment building.

The Incident Commander requested residents be notified of the public safety threat through the Public Alerts system. Residents were asked to stay inside with their doors and windows locked. Northwest Naito Parkway was closed to all traffic. Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (ECIT) officers responded and attempted to communicate with him. When efforts were not successful, some on-duty CNT and SERT personnel responded in a partial team callout. At 5:59 p.m., the full CNT and SERT were activated to respond to the scene to bring additional personnel, resources, and equipment. PPB drones were utilized. A Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol boat responded and assisted from the water. Officers evacuated one of the apartment buildings of residents.

At 8:11 p.m., CNT negotiators convinced the man to surrender and he was taken into custody.

PPB personnel are clearing vehicle and equipment and the roads and walkways will be cleared shortly. PPB appreciates the patience of the community as we worked to resolve this situation peacefully.

Portland's community notification system is called PublicAlerts. Visit the Public Alerts Website to sign up. PublicAlerts sends information by text, email, and voice message about how to stay safe during an emergency.

Photo description: a PPB police vehicle with red and blue lights parked next to an armored police vehicle

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

Tactical Teams Responding to Assist with An Armed Suspect in the Old Town Neighborhood

The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) are responding to assist on a call of a man threatening community members with a machete or other bladed weapon. 

The call is in the 600 block of Northwest Naito Parkway, just north of the Steel Bridge. Northwest Naito Parkway is closed to all traffic, and several sidewalks and pathways are also blocked. The Incident Commander has requested area residents, especially in the apartment buildings in the perimeter, to stay inside with doors locked to minimize the risk to the public and allow crisis communications officers to interact with him. 

Officers have contained the suspect and are actively communicating with him. No injuries have been reported. The case number is 25-32004. 

The PIO is responding to the scene. 

###PPB###