Man shatters Portland police cruiser's window and pepper sprays officer inside, PPB says

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A 41-year-old is facing several charges, accused of breaking out the window of a Portland Police cruiser Sunday morning and spraying pepper spray inside the vehicle.

John Russell is facing charges of assaulting a public safety officer, aggravated harassment, and first-degree criminal mischief.

According to police, an officer was doing paperwork inside of their marked patrol vehicle near South Corbett Avenue and Lane Street when about 9:40 a.m. someone walked up to the SUV, shattered the glass of the rear hatch, and pepper sprayed the interior.

The suspect then ran to a nearby car and drove away. The officer managed to broadcast the suspect’s description and Russell was pulled over about six blocks away.

The officer recognized Russell’s vehicle as one that had been following him earlier, Portland Police said. When police searched the vehicle, they reportedly found a window punch tool, a laser pointer, a slingshot, rocks, and other items.

"As police officers, we know that the vast majority of community members who approach and contact us do so with no intention to do us harm," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "However, attacks like this one remind us all that there is the potential for people to try to take direct violent action against police officers. I applaud the officer for remaining calm and locating the involved subject and thank our investigators for furthering this investigation."