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“He then accused me of other things to which I indicated he did not understand the rules and should probably have a better understanding if he was going to confront people about them,” Wheeler said in his statement.
Wheeler said that the man stood close to him and he became concerned for his safety and contracting COVID-19. Wheeler told the man to “back off” and that he was carrying pepper spray, which he would use if necessary. When the man did not listen the mayor said he sprayed him in the eyes.
“He seemed surprised and backed off,” Wheeler told police. “He made a comment like, ‘I can’t believe you just pepper-sprayed me.’”
SARA CLINE
January 26, 2021, 1:59 AM
FILE - In this Aug. 30, 2020 file photo Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler speaks during a news conference. On Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, Wheeler said the ongoing criminal destruction and violence occurring in his city - which has been the epicenter of protests against racial injustice for eight months - is unacceptable. (Sean Meagher/The Oregonian via AP, file)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler pepper-sprayed a man who confronted him and a former mayor as they left a restaurant Sunday evening, according to a police report.
Wheeler and and Sam Adams, who served one term as Portland mayor from 2009 to 2013, had been eating in a tented area at Hillsdale McMenamins Hillsdale Brewery and Public House in Southwest Portland. When the two left, Wheeler said a man, who he did not recognize, approached him videotaping the mayor and accusing him of dining without wearing a mask.
Report: Portland Mayor Pepper-Sprayed Man Who Confronted Him By Associated Press and Spectrum News Staff Oregon PUBLISHED 12:40 PM ET Jan. 26, 2021 PUBLISHED 12:40 PM EST Jan. 26, 2021
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Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler pepper-sprayed a man who confronted him and a former mayor as they left a restaurant Sunday evening, according to a police report.
What You Need To Know
Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler pepper-sprayed a man who confronted him and a former mayor as they left a restaurant Sunday evening, according to a police report
Wheeler said a man confronted him outside of a restaurant accusing him of dining without wearing a mask