Portland, Oregon – Dramatic newly released bodycam footage from Nov. 5 shows Portland police ramming their patrol vehicle into a naked, gun-wielding man who was reportedly high on meth during a chaotic late-night pursuit. The intense footage, released last Wednesday, reveals a frantic scene as officers tried to stop a suspect who managed to escape them twice before finally being taken into custody.
According to the recording, an officer can be heard urgently asking over the radio, “You guys see a naked guy running around?” Moments later, the sharp crack of a gunshot echoes through the night.
Gunshot Sparks Dangerous Pursuit
The video then shows the unclothed suspect sprinting across the street, clutching what appears to be a firearm. Inside the police cruiser, one of the officers makes a split-second decision: “I’m gonna hit him.”
His partner responds simply: “OK.”
Seconds later, the patrol car surges forward and strikes the man on the left side of the vehicle, sending him tumbling across the hood. The officers jump out, urgently searching for the discarded gun in the darkness.
Suspect Escapes — Twice
Initially, the man appears to comply, lying on the ground while officers command him to stay still. But as they search for his weapon, he suddenly springs up and bolts, triggering a frantic foot chase through the street.
Officers eventually catch up, ordering him again to get on the ground. The suspect briefly cooperates — but within seconds, he jumps to his feet and darts toward the entrance of an office building, attempting to flee through the glass doors.
His escape route quickly closes in. Cornered between officers and a nearby security guard, he hesitates for a split second, as per The Post.
Taser Deployed as Struggle Turns Violent
“Tase him!” an officer shouts. A second officer fires, striking the suspect with a stun gun.
What follows is disturbing: the naked man begins slamming his head repeatedly on the concrete sidewalk, causing significant bleeding. Officers can be seen restraining him, with one holding the man’s head to prevent further injury.
Meth Admission and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine, which may explain his erratic and violent behavior throughout the incident.
Both officers involved in the vehicle strike are experienced members of the Portland Police Bureau. The department has launched an internal investigation into what has been classified as a “deadly use of force,” according to a report from KGW8.
Community Questions Use of Force as Review Begins
The release of the footage has fueled ongoing discussions in Portland about policing tactics, mental health crises, and drug-related incidents that continue to challenge the city’s law enforcement agencies. With the investigation now underway, community members await answers on whether the officers’ decisions will be deemed justified under policy.
What Do You Think?
This incident has sparked intense debate — and we want to hear from you. Do you believe the officers’ actions were justified given the danger? Should different tactics have been used?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your voice matters.
