PORTLAND, Ore. – Kevin Phomma, 26, of Portland, is facing federal charges after allegedly unleashing a potent bear deterrent spray on multiple police officers during a chaotic unlawful assembly on August 26, 2020. Phomma was charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony offense that carries a stiff penalty.
The incident unfolded near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on South Macadam Avenue. Court documents detail a scene of escalating unrest, with protesters blocking streets and defacing the federal building with spray paint, lobbing projectiles at agents. Around 10:45 p.m., the Department of Homeland Security declared the gathering an unlawful assembly. The Portland Police Bureau swiftly followed with dispersal orders and a use-of-force warning, which were ignored by many.
As officers moved to clear the crowd, Phomma allegedly took direct action against them. Witnesses reported he was armed with a shield in one hand and a spray canister in the other. He reportedly doused several officers with the irritating substance as they attempted to take him into custody. A post-arrest search revealed the canister wasn’t standard pepper spray – it was a high-powered bear deterrent, designed for much larger targets.
The discovery didn’t end there. Officers also found a sheathed, three-inch dagger affixed to Phomma’s hip. Despite the weapons and alleged assault, Phomma was initially released. However, today, he voluntarily surrendered to the U.S. Marshals Service, making his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released pending further court proceedings.
If convicted of the felony charge of civil disorder, Phomma faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The case was spearheaded by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Federal investigators are likely examining potential connections to larger organized groups involved in the 2020 unrest.
It’s crucial to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Phomma is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, exposing the underbelly of federal crime in the Pacific Northwest.
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Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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