The man who threw traffic cones and boards with protruding nails into lanes of traffic on I-5 north of the North Failing Street pedestrian bridge on June 14th and was suspected of having a bomb has been booked into the Multnomah Detention Center.
He Slashed Vehicle Tires and Threatened Drivers with a Screwdriver
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Alexander R. Wick (38) of Portland was also displaying a large stop sign and slashing vehicles’ tires when they stopped, threatening them with a screwdriver and pretending to have a bomb in his possession.
When officers later searched the area, they discovered a bucket carrying what seemed to be an explosive device.
His actions on the interstate’s southbound lanes produced a dangerous scenario; thus, the expressway was closed in both directions from 9.20 p.m. until 10.45 p.m. Nobody was wounded.
Wick fled the scene, but an investigator from the Portland Fire Investigations Unit eventually recognized him, and a search warrant was executed in the Sabin area of the 4700 block of Northeast 15th Avenue.
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), the search was deliberate and methodical, involving tactical teams and law enforcement organizations, and lasted several hours.
Wick is charged with possessing a harmful device, unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device, first-degree attempted arson and criminal mischief, and second-degree disorderly conduct.
Police Appeal to Eyewitnesses and Video-Takers to Assist
PPB is now requesting that anybody who captured video of the incident or observed it email Detective Meredith Hopper at [email protected], referencing Case Number 25-158213.
The Portland Fire Investigations Unit, the FBI, and law enforcement agencies all worked together to conduct the investigation.
