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Label:
Press release
An adult male was arrested after assaulting a work crew and threatening responding officers.
Published
On Monday, July 20, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct responded to reports of an assault near Northeast Brazee Street and Northeast 122nd Avenue. Officers quickly located the suspect, identified as Stephen T. Scazzafavo, 33. As officers attempted to take him into custody, Scazzafavo threw a knife at them. While no officers were struck, the knife hit and damaged the windshield of a patrol vehicle. Scazzafavo then fled on foot while continuing to threaten officers with a metal hiking stick and a flashlight that functions as a stun gun. Officers ultimately were able to take him into custody.
The investigation determined that before officers arrived, Scazzafavo threatened a work crew in the area. He struck one worker with a bike pump and repeatedly hit the crew's work vehicle as they attempted to leave, causing thousands of dollars in damage. The workers were not injured. One officer sustained a minor injury during the arrest and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Scazzafavo was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and booked on charges, including: First-Degree Criminal Mischief, Harassment, Attempted Fourth-Degree Assault, Attempted Second-Degree Assault, Menacing, First-Degree Unlawful Use of an Electrical Stun Gun, Tear Gas, or Mace, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Second-Degree Disorderly Conduct, and three counts of Attempted Assault of a Police Officer.
"This incident escalated rapidly and posed a serious danger to both community members and responding officers," PPB Chief Bob Day said. "Thanks to the quick actions of our officers, the suspect was taken into custody before anyone suffered serious injuries. Incidents like this highlight the unpredictable situations our officers face and their commitment to protecting our community."
Anyone with information about this case, who has not talked with officers, is urged to contact police. The case number is 26-210632.
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