A man suspected last year of several firebomb attacks on Portland police officers – who allegedly threw Molotov cocktails during violent protests – was arrested in Indiana last week, authorities said Monday.
24-year-old Malik Muhammed has been indicted on several warrants in Indianapolis police custody, the Portland Police Department said. He is charged with first- and second-degree attempted murder, attempted aggravated murder, unlawful manufacture of a destructive device and unlawful use of a weapon.
According to a fire department authority, a man hurled at police officers in Portland during the protests last year.
(Portland Police Department)
“I am grateful to the investigating officers who have spent many hours over the past few months following up on these violent attacks on police officers and the community,” Chief of Police Chuck Lovell said in a statement. “I am also grateful for the brave officers who are harming their community. More investigations are underway. Anyone who thinks they can get away with killing police officers and destroying this city should think again.”
Police said Muhammed threw a non-explosive fuel device at police officers in the Penumbra Kelly building on September 21, which houses some of the Portland police and the sheriff in Multnomah County.
On September 23, he allegedly threw a firebomb that scorched the uniform of a police officer. The close call came after Kentucky prosecutors chose not to charge Louisville police officers in connection with the death of Breonna Taylor.
By all accounts, Muhammad’s actions were responsible for tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to windows in downtown Portland, including the Historical Portland Society, during an October 11 attack, police said.
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Authorities initially arrested another man, Joseph Sipe, for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail on September 23. Prosecutors refused to charge him, after apparently not being the person to the police, the Oregonian reported.
Muhammad is being held in Indiana pending an extradition hearing.