Arrest Made in Menacing Case During Downtown Disturbance (Photo)

Arrest Made in Menacing Case During Downtown Disturbance (Photo): A man is facing charges after pointing a rifle at people during a disturbance Sunday. On August 8, 2021 in the early afternoon, there were disturbances in Downtown Portland following an event held in McCall Waterfront Park. As part of those disturbances, a subject, Mark A. Lee, 23, of Portland, appeared wearing camouflage, a military-style tactical vest, and carrying a realistic looking airsoft rifle which appeared to be an AR-15 rifle. Lee called 911 claiming several people were following him. He was instructed to walk to Central Precinct where officers received him, issuing him commands (with which he complied), and confirmed the rifle was not a firearm as defined by state law. During this time, there were limited officers available due to several priority incidents occurring in Central Precinct including a homicide investigation and managing a subject in crisis related to an armed robbery. Patrol supervisors were monitoring the event and preparing resources for a response should it be needed. However, the event ended before resources were available. Officers ultimately released Lee pending further investigation. Following the disturbances, police encouraged anyone who had been the victim of a crime to come forward and make a report.