Outrage as Portland jail makes shock move in wake of new rules banning homeless camps
A Portland County jail has refused to arrest a homeless man who refused to move or accept an offer of shelter despite a ban on camping on public property.
Alasdair Macdonald became the first man arrested by Portland police last Friday for illegal camping near Northeast 28th Avenue and Alberta Street.
According to officials, both police and city employees had spoken to Macdonald “multiple times” and warned him that he could be arrested if he did not accept shelter.
In an interview, the suspect said that on the day of his arrest his camp was surrounded by officers who also offered him a small house to move into.
Alasdair Macdonald was arrested after he allegedly refused to move or accept an offer of shelter despite a ban on camping on public land
‘I woke up to the police. They had me surrounded. They offered me a small house.
“I would have liked to think about it, but there was no time to think about it. The option was ‘prison or tiny house,'” MacDonald said. KOIN6.
Officials later clarified that the suspect refused to move to a shelter and was therefore taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center because he violated the city’s camping regulations.
But instead of being charged and locked up, he was given a ticket and released by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
“I was arrested, but I wasn’t booked. There was no crime,” Macdonald later recalled.
Officials later clarified that the suspect refused to move to a shelter and was subsequently taken to a detention center for violating the city’s camping regulations. (Stock photo)
But instead of being charged and jailed, he was ticketed and released by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy John Plock, a spokesman for the office, said Willamette Week that “prison staff will not arrest people who have been arrested for violating city regulations, but only those accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony under state law.”
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell also made it clear that the executive’s decision not to book Macdonald was not a one-time occurrence, but a policy she believes in.
“As an elected official charged with managing the prison, I believe we should use the prison system as a place for people who pose a real danger to the public, and that doesn’t include individuals who are simply homeless,” O’Donnell said. KGW8.
She further assured citizens, “Our communications with the Mayor’s Office regarding the public camping ordinance began in the spring of 2023 and clearly stated that violations of the city’s ordinance were not bookable and would only be subject to a fine.
“I will not direct the sheriff to arrest anyone for violating the ordinances of the city.”
After the suspect was released, Mayor Ted Wheeler (pictured) issued a statement saying he was deeply disappointed with the sheriff’s decision.
According to the city’s latest rules, camping on public property is only prohibited if there are available beds that day or night. (Stock photo)
After the suspect was released, Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a statement that he was extremely disappointed with the sheriff’s decision.
“I am disappointed in the sheriff’s decision not to make arrests for individuals who break the law.
“I am deeply concerned about this discrepancy and what it may mean for future efforts to improve public safety,” the mayor said. Fox news.
Under the city’s latest rules, camping on public property is only prohibited if there are available beds available that day or night.
If there are no beds available, people are allowed to camp, but they are not allowed to light fires, use propane heaters, or block access to private property.