Portland’s Police Chief Frank Clark said:  “The Investigation Remains Ongoing.”

Yesterday Portland Police were able to quickly identify the man who had reportedly harassed a woman of Asian descent and damaged her vehicle on Monday.  That man, Troy Sprague, (3/4/74) a Portland transient is now facing a charge of criminal mischief.

The incident happened around 2:00 pm on Monday as the 38-year old victim called police after she waited in her vehicle in the area of 471 Forest Avenue according to a press release issued early last evening.

“We have seen a sharp increase in racially motivated attacks on the Asian-American community since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Andrew Zarro, District 4 Councilor.  “These racist hate crimes are despicable and deeply damaging to our communities.  No one should ever have to face such vitriol or violence, especially based on their race.  We must step up not only to condemn these acts of hate, but also acknowledge and educate the public on the anti-Asian racist history in this country.  We must continue to amplify AAPI voices, create spaces that are safe and inclusive and reject all manner of hate, including micro-aggression to our AAPI community.  We love you and will fight for you,” Councilor Zarro said in a press release issued by the city of Portland this afternoon.

Police Chief Frank Clark said:  “The investigation remains ongoing and we will be conferring with the District Attorney and the Attorney General’s office on appropriateness of hate crime or other charges.”

Are these attacks on members of the Asian-American community because of former President Trump’s blaming the COVID-19 epidemic on the Chinese?

Please visit post herein dated March 16, 2021 for background information on this incident.