Bodycam Shows Portland Officers Fighting for Control as Suspect Reaches for Gun
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau has made public a bodycam video of a struggle between two officers and a suspect, which ended when Officer Melissa Babasin struck the man on the head with her taser and then applied a neck-hold.
PPB Officer is on Paid Administrative Leave
Officer Babasin is on paid administrative leave while the PPB conducts an internal investigation, standard protocol when deadly force, such as a neck-hold, is used.
The incident unfolded on September 27 when the two Central Precinct officers responded to a report of a man striking passing vehicles with a metal pole on Northeast 33rd Avenue over Interstate-84.
The man was no longer in the area when the PPB arrived, but was located about 20 minutes later near Oregon Park, 700 Northeast 30th Avenue.
Officers Babasin and David Randall located the suspect in a park toilet at 10.27 a.m. and became involved in a struggle during which he attempted to remove Officer Randall’s firearm from its holster.
The struggle continued for about seven minutes, most of which time Officer Randall remained on the ground, pinned down by the suspect.
Numerous police officers responded to a call for assistance from the two struggling law enforcement officers. The suspect was finally taken into custody at 10.34 a.m.
Suspect Faces Numerous Charges
Bo W. Davis (43) of Portland has been released from the hospital and is facing charges of attempted murder, first-degree robbery, assaulting a public safety officer, menacing, and an outstanding warrant.
The two officers were also injured in the incident. One was treated for a hand injury, and another for a head injury.
The investigation into the use of deadly force is being conducted by the Homicide Detail of the PPB’s Detective Division, after which the case will be reviewed by the Police Review Board, consisting of members from the community, the PPB, and representatives from the Independent Police Review Division.
Investigators will continue to consult with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about the case can contact detectives at [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 25-266458.