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'We shouldn't demonize this person': Police officer and homeowner injured in pipe attack

One of his alleged victims said the incident shows a clear need for more mental health resources.

PORTLAND, Ore. — A 36-year-old man is accused of attacking a woman and a police officer Saturday night with a pipe.

Amanda Russell was on her porch in the 2500 block of SE 41st Avenue Saturday when she reported a homeless man she often sees in her neighborhood attacked her with a pipe or rod of some kind.

"I just felt the hit on my right arm and I ran for the door and got inside and he came up, hit the door with the pipe," Russell said.

A short time later, police were called to the 4100 block of SE Ivon Street, when another person reported seeing a man throwing rocks and a pipe at cars.

An arriving police officer approached the suspect, who was identified as 36-year-old Tsegay Abraha.

Police say Abraha then hit the officer in the head with the pipe -- and despite being seriously injured, the officer was able to hold Abraha under arrest until more units arrived. Abraha was eventually charged with assault in connection with both incidents.

Russell said she has given Abraha food in the past, and she hopes the attack makes it clear more mental health resources are needed.

"We shouldn't demonize this person ... we need to look at this situation from an educational and wisdom perspective and say, how do we really enforce mental health change?" Russell said.

If anyone has information about Abraha or this incident, Portland police ask that they contact Detective Shaye Samora at 503-823-0479 or shaye.samora@portlandoregon.gov.

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