Portland Police Bureau investigates officer's use of force while arresting suspect

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is investigating an officer’s use of force after he took an armed suspect into custody Friday night.

Police say they had a warrant to arrest 31-year-old Johnathan A. Harris.

Officers located Harris outside a residence in the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street around 11:30 p.m. When they tried to take him into custody, Harris resisted according to police.

Officers say they noticed he was armed with a gun, so they reportedly tried to apply a carotid neck hold on him, which allowed them to handcuff him and seize the firearm.

Harris was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and the warrant from Clackamas County for first-degree theft. Harris could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

Members of the Portland Police Bureau Detective Division’s Homicide Detail are investigating the officers’ use of the carotid neck hold, which is considered a deadly use of force.

The officer involved in the incident, Larry Wingfield, is a 26-year veteran of the PPB. He was placed on paid administrative leave pursuant to Portland Police Bureau policy. Police say there were three other officers present at the time who witnessed the incident and helped take the suspect into custody.

"We are thankful that no one was injured during this incident," Chief Danielle Outlaw said Saturday. "As with any use of force, this incident will be thoroughly reviewed and we will release additional information when it is appropriate to do so."

Regarding the investigation a PPB news release says in part:

"Pursuant to Portland Police Bureau policy, deadly force includes any use of force likely to cause death or serious physical injury, including the use of a firearm, carotid neck hold, or strike to the head, neck or throat with a hard object. There were no reports that any officer discharged a firearm during this incident."

Wingfield has been involved in two police shootings, including a fatal one in 2011 and another in 2012 where the man who was shot survived. In both cases grand juries ruled the use of force was justified.

Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training says it has never investigated Wingfield.

Anyone with information about this investigation should contact Detective Travis Law at 503-823-9786, [email protected] or Detective Vince Cui at 503-823-0449 or [email protected]