Portland police seek public’s help to identify assault suspect who fled Dialogue Liaison Officer near South Portland ICE facility
Portland police are asking for public help identifying a young female assault suspect who fled from a Dialogue Liaison Officer near the South Portland ICE facility on September 30, 2025; investigators released photos and seek tips for case 25-269978.
Key takeaways
- Incident: Assault reported at 8:41 p.m. on Sept. 30 near South Moody Ave. and South Bancroft St.; see the Portland Police Bureau release.
- Suspect: Caucasian female, teens/early 20s, long blonde hair with bangs, large chrome septum ring, black hoodie, tan cargo pants and gray Jansport backpack.
- Response: A Dialogue Liaison Officer first contacted the woman; patrols and the Major Crimes Unit are investigating (case 25-269978).
- Action requested: Police released photos and ask anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit.
What happened
Portland police say a bystander reported an assault at about 8:41 p.m. on September 30 near the South Portland ICE facility. A Dialogue Liaison Officer — described by the bureau as a sworn officer assigned to communication and de-escalation roles — was notified and located the woman believed to be involved. The bureau’s initial account is available in the Portland Police Bureau release.
Role of the Dialogue Liaison Officer
DLOs are described by the bureau as “safe space officers.” Their primary duties emphasize communication and de-escalation rather than enforcement. In this incident, the DLO said she tried to speak with the woman, attempted to detain her, and reported that the woman refused detention and fled before patrol officers arrived.
From the bureau: the suspect “refused to stop after being told she was detained, and fled the area.”
Suspect description and photos
The Portland Police Bureau published photos and a detailed description to help identify the woman. Authorities describe the suspect as a Caucasian female in her teens or early 20s with long blonde hair and bangs. A large chrome septum ring is listed as a distinctive feature. Clothing reported at the time included a black hoodie with a white emblem on the right front chest, a black face mask, loose tan cargo pants, black shoes with white soles and a gray Jansport backpack with black zippers and straps. Police say the photos were clear enough to warrant public release and could generate tips; see the full release on the bureau site: Portland Police Bureau release.
Investigation status and next steps
Patrol officers arrived at 8:59 p.m. to meet the victim and begin a formal investigation. The case has been transferred to the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit; as of the Oct. 1 release no arrest had been made and the suspect’s identity remains unknown. Detectives will review released photos, interview witnesses and search for related video or other evidence.
Case number: 25-269978.
Public safety and community cooperation
The bureau emphasized the importance of public tips. Officials asked anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit and reference case number 25-269978. Citizens are urged to report information and not to attempt detentions themselves. For official contact instructions and released photos, consult the Portland Police Bureau release.
Context: protests and activity at the South Portland ICE facility
This incident occurred amid ongoing gatherings and protests outside the South Portland ICE facility. The bureau has monitored repeated demonstrations and reported criminal activity in the area in recent months; an earlier bulletin is posted here: PPB monitors gathering around ICE facility.
Federal agencies and local law enforcement have also been present at the site amid activism and earlier confrontations. The Department of Homeland Security commented on broader concerns about violence and threats connected to demonstrations; see the DHS statement: DHS statement (Sept. 26, 2025).
Implications for California
Regional security planning and law enforcement cooperation can be affected by incidents near federal facilities in neighboring states. California agencies that share information with Oregon law enforcement may review protocols for protecting staff and infrastructure. Politically, the event may be cited in debates about immigration enforcement and public safety. Socially, demonstrations and confrontations can affect commuters, workers and residents in the broader region.
Practical advice: Californians traveling to Portland should monitor local news, avoid demonstrations near federal facilities, and report crimes to authorities rather than intervening.
How to provide a tip
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Portland Police Major Crimes Unit and reference case number 25-269978. The bureau’s webpage contains the most current contact details and the released photos.
Related sources
- Portland Police Bureau news release: PPB needs public’s help identifying assault suspect (Oct. 1, 2025)
- Portland Police Bureau: PPB monitors gathering around ICE facility, criminal activity; no arrests made (Sept. 29, 2025)
- Department of Homeland Security statement (Sept. 26, 2025)
If you have information to help identify the suspect, contact the Portland Police Major Crimes Unit and reference case number 25-269978.
