Portland Police Officer on Leave After Neck Hold Used in Violent Struggle With Attempted Murder Suspect
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland Police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after ‘applying a neck hold’ on a suspect during a struggle that ended in hospital for Bo W. Davis (43) and two policemen on Saturday morning.
Davis, of Portland, is facing numerous charges, including attempted murder.
Suspect Was Hitting Passing Vehicles With a Metal Pole
The incident occurred when Central Precinct officers responded to a report that a suspect was hitting passing vehicles on Northeast 33rd Avenue over Interstate-84 with a metal pole.
The suspect had left the scene by the time officers arrived, but 20 minutes later, they received information that he was at Oregon Park on Northeast 30th Avenue. When two officers arrived, they became involved in a physical struggle with the suspect during which he attempted to grab an officer’s firearm out of its holster.
The two policemen called for backup and, after about seven minutes, managed to place the suspect under arrest. Davis and the two policemen were treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the struggle.
The policemen are recovering at home from a hand and a head injury, while Davis is under police custody at the hospital.
According to a news release by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), Davis did not lose consciousness during the struggle and did not appear to suffer any significant injuries.
Davis has been charged with attempted murder, first-degree robbery, assaulting a public safety officer, menacing, and an outstanding warrant.
PPB Considers a Neck Hold as Deadly Force
The PPB’s Homicide Detective Division is investigating the use of force by the officer, who is at home on paid administrative leave. According to PPB policy, a neck hold is considered deadly (lethal) force.
An internal review of the incident will be presented to the Police Review Board, which consists of community members, PPB members, and representatives from the Independent Police Review Division.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has been consulted in the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this case should contact detectives at [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 25-266458.