Man Arrested for Assault and Bias Crime in Old Town Portland

Suspect lights clothing on fire, attacks bystander, and uses racial slurs

Portland, Oregon – A man is facing assault and bias crime charges after a disturbing incident in Old Town Portland on Saturday, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Shortly before 2 p.m., firefighters responded to reports of a fire in the area of Northwest Sixth Avenue and Northwest Glisan Street. Witnesses stated that a man had lit some clothing on fire, causing a scene of chaos and panic in the popular downtown area.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Corey A. Nesenson of Portland, caught the attention of both firefighters and police officers on the scene. While Portland Fire & Rescue worked to extinguish the flames, police witnessed Nesenson attack a bystander with a pair of scissors. The victim suffered cuts and bites, as Nesenson directed racial slurs towards him.

With the immediate danger escalating, police quickly intervened and apprehended Nesenson. However, during the arrest, Nesenson allegedly spit on the officers, further escalating the severity of his charges.

Fortunately, the victim of the scissor attack is expected to recover from his injuries, according to the Portland Police Bureau. However, detectives have uncovered additional disturbing details about the suspect’s actions prior to the assault.

Detectives believe that just before the scissor attack, Nesenson had allegedly chased after a biracial couple, hurling racial slurs at them. The police have been unable to locate the couple and are urging them to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.

Corey A. Nesenson now faces a multitude of charges, including second and fourth-degree assault, first-degree bias crime, aggravated harassment, and reckless burning. The authorities are determined to hold him accountable for his actions and ensure the safety of the community.

Any witnesses or individuals with recorded evidence of the incident are urged to contact Detective Brett Hawkinson at brett.hawkinson@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 24-33521.