PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a violent assault that occurred in downtown Portland last month, where a man was reportedly punched and pistol-whipped.
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), the suspects — identified as 18-year-old Jonathan Ramirez-Cisneros of Gresham and a 15-year-old male whose name has not been released due to his age — were taken into custody on Friday following an extensive investigation.
The Assault Incident
Police say the attack happened on October 9 near 1500 NW 13th Avenue in downtown Portland. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a man suffering from serious head injuries. The victim told police that two individuals had assaulted him — one of them striking him repeatedly with a firearm.
Also Read
Investigators recovered a handgun magazine at the scene, which was collected as evidence. Authorities later confirmed that the weapon itself was not found during the initial response, prompting detectives to launch a follow-up investigation to identify and locate the suspects involved.
Investigation and Indictments
As the investigation progressed, police gathered surveillance footage and witness statements linking Ramirez-Cisneros and the 15-year-old suspect to the attack. On October 24, a Multnomah County Grand Jury formally indicted Ramirez-Cisneros on multiple assault-related charges.
The indictment led to the issuance of a search and arrest warrant, prompting a coordinated operation by law enforcement.
SWAT-Assisted Arrests
On November 1, members of the East Metro SWAT team assisted Portland police officers in executing a warrant at a Gresham residence connected to the suspects. Both Ramirez-Cisneros and the 15-year-old were arrested without incident.
Following the arrests, police said both teens were booked into custody at separate facilities. Ramirez-Cisneros was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center, while the 15-year-old was taken to the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home in Portland.
Charges Filed
According to court records, Jonathan Ramirez-Cisneros faces several serious charges, including:
-
Second-degree assault
-
Third-degree assault
-
First-degree attempted assault
-
Unlawful use of a weapon
-
Harassment
The 15-year-old suspect faces similar allegations and has been charged with:
-
Second-degree assault
-
Third-degree assault
-
Unlawful use of a weapon
Police have not yet released additional details about the motive behind the assault or the relationship between the suspects and the victim. The investigation remains ongoing.
Community Response and Ongoing Concerns
The incident adds to a string of violent assaults reported in downtown Portland this year, prompting ongoing concerns about public safety in the city’s entertainment and industrial districts.
Police officials reiterated that community cooperation continues to play a vital role in solving violent crimes. The Portland Police Bureau encouraged anyone with additional information, photos, or videos of the October 9 assault to come forward and assist detectives with their investigation.
As of now, both suspects remain in custody while prosecutors prepare for court proceedings.
