GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham police said Wednesday that the teenager seen hitting a man in downtown Gresham over the weekend has since turned himself in. The 15-year-old was the "primary suspect" among a group of teens involved in the alleged attack.
The group attacked 58-year-old Terry Poulter at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday near Northeast 2nd Street and Roberts Avenue, according to the Gresham Police Department. Surveillance video from a nearby business shows what appears to be one teenager hitting a man in the back of the head with a skateboard, with other members of the group visible in the background.
Police told KGW the group of young people were harassing Poulter, and that he had been knocked unconscious before police got there. He was taken to Mount Hood Medical Center. A police news release described his injuries as not life-threatening, but did not include any further details about his condition.
"While we are still uncovering all of the information, the behavior demonstrated in this situation is deeply troubling," Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg said in a statement.
The police department added that it had been working to identify the people involved, including by searching out additional surveillance video from nearby businesses. The Gresham-Barlow School District was also made aware of the investigation, in case the suspects were confirmed to be students.
"I know kids can be kids, but that's pretty bad when you're doing that type of stuff. I was pretty shocked when you showed me the video," said Phil Ward, who runs Barber Starrs Barbershop about a block away from where the attack happened.
According to a Wednesday news release from the Gresham Police Department, a 15-year-old boy and his parents arrived at the police station Tuesday evening and he turned himself in. He was taken to the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home and booked on a second-degree assault charge.
"I don't understand how anybody could do something like that. It just kills me," added Jen Braun, who works at Molly’s Upscale Resale. She's worked in downtown Gresham for 18 years, and has seen the city change recently. "I love this community. This is my heart and soul. ... It’s the Wild West sometimes."
The circumstances leading up to the attack remain unclear. Police are still trying to figure out the motive for the attack, if there was any.
There was also talk around town that the victim was homeless. When asked about that on Tuesday, police said they don't have any more updates on the victim at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gresham police via gpd@greshamoregon.com or by calling 503-618-2318.
"I just want to know what's wrong with these kids. Why did they do this?" Braun said.
"I think people need to be held accountable for their actions," added Ward.