The Portland Police have finally interviewed the officer who shot and killed homeless Portlander Jack Collins Monday afternoon and just now released the details of that interview, along with information gleaned from 18 other witnesses.
- Friends say shooting victim Jackie Collins was an alcoholic who struggled with depression.
Portland Police Officer Jason Walters self-dispatched himself to the Hoyt Arboretum in order to respond to the call. Officer Walters has worked the area around Washington Park for five years and is very familiar with the area. Officer Walters requested that a Hooper Detox Unit come to the scene, anticipating that the threatening subject might be intoxicated. Officer Walters arrived at the scene at 3:24 p.m., made contact with the person who had called 911, and was told the male subject was in the bathroom that is located in the park center at Hoyt Arboretum.
Officer Walters approached the bathroom door and knocked on it. A male subject, later identified as Jack Collins, opened the door and Officer Walters immediately saw that Collins had blood on his face, neck and hands. Officer Walters asked Collins if he needed help but Collins did not respond. Officer Walters saw that Collins had a knife in his hand and immediately began to back up in order to provide distance between himself and Collins. He also started giving commands to Collins to drop the weapon and called for immediate cover officers. Collins exited the bathroom and began walking towards the officer. Officer Walters continued retreating and shouting commands to Collins to drop the weapon. Collins continued advancing on Officer Walters and told the officer that he was not going to drop the weapon. Officer Walters was unable to continue retreating due to physical barriers but continued to give commands to Collins to drop the knife. Collins continued advancing and Officer Walters fired two gunshots. Officer Walters saw Collins remain standing and slowly spin around with the knife still in his hand. Officer Walters gave more commands to drop the knife but Collins again advanced towards him. Officer Walters then fired two more shots. Collins dropped to the ground and Officer Walters called for immediate medical assistance.
Officer Walters was interviewed by Portland Police Detectives yesterday at 4:00 p.m. Detectives have interviewed 18 witnesses during their investigation and during their interviews learned that just prior to Officer Walters’s arrival, Collins had approached a woman and her son and had threatened to kill both of them.
A grand jury hearing is scheduled next week on the shooting. Both Mayor Adams and Commissioner Saltzman have said they will push to make the transcripts from that grand jury public.
Update 11:50 AM: One key difference between the officer’s story and the initial report that trickled out from police union president Scott Westerman is the way Officer Walters and Collins first encountered one another. Westerman initially told reporters that Collins emerged from the bathroom and “charged” Officer Walters.
Yesterday, Portland public defender Chris O’Connor broke down why officers aren’t interviewed right after they’re involved in a shooting—and why they should be.
Update 12:13 PM: Police spokeswoman Mary Wheat clarifies that the woman and child who say Collins threatened them reported what happened to a Parks staff person, who then placed a 911 call to police. Officer Walters did not know about that call or threat, however, he was responding to the initial 911 call which described Collins as a drunk transient who was harassing people, but not physically violent.
Wheat could not confirm whether any of the 18 witnesses actually saw what happened between Officer Walters and Collins. She could also not release a photo of the knife.
OK. My first thought: was there really only one 9-1-1 call? Second: Didn’t the caller say Collins was not acting violently? Wouldn’t at least one of the other 18 witnesses call?
If that story is true (which will be impossible to ever tell unless they get all 18 witnesses to testify in court, including the lady and the children who had their lives threatened by Jackie), then I don’t see that Officer Walters had any choice, not to mention he gave ample warning.
He clearly wasn’t shooting to kill, either. The gunshot wound that killed Jackie happened to sever an artery in his hip.
At that range, if his intention had been to kill Jackie, he would’ve simply shot him in the chest or head.
This is indeed a sad and tragic story, and if Officer Walters’ story is true, I feel badly for what he must be going through right now.
The saddest part however, is that I have to question the PPB and their officers at all. I should be able to trust everything they tell me. With all the other crap that’s been going on with them lately, I find that act impossible.
“The saddest part however, is that I have to question the PPB and their officers at all. I should be able to trust everything they tell me. With all the other crap that’s been going on with them lately, I find that act impossible.”
This
Sounds like a well rehearsed story . Sounds like all the i’s got dotted and all the t’s were crossed before he told his side of the story . It still doesn’t match the police’s initial statement . It doesn’t sound like he was running at him . It sounds like there was ample time to try another means to subdue Jackie . It seems to me that this situation still could have been handled with mace or a taser . Walters will probably get a medal .
Why does it take so long for the Police to “interview” the officer?
Oh yeah… It’s because the PPB needs to brainstorm and craft their PR story before polishing and practicing it with the officer before delivering it to the media.
If the PPB had publicly interviewed the officer (our public servant) the day it happened? Then I’d believe his account. But what do we have now? Doubt.
But, uh… That’s a nice clean story, ya got there…
Why does it take so long for the Police to “interview” the officer?
Oh yeah… It’s because the PPB needs to brainstorm and craft their PR story before polishing and practicing it with the officer before delivering it to the media.
If the PPB had publicly interviewed the officer (our public servant) the day it happened? Then I’d believe his account. But what do we have now? Doubt.
But, uh… That’s a nice clean story, ya got there…
Wait a minute…
“Wheat could not confirm whether any of the 18 witnesses actually saw what happened between Officer Walters and Collins.”
Someone please tell me what the FUCK a witness is, then? If they didn’t see it, they weren’t a witness!
Every time an officer has to use force to protect the public, or draw breath for that matter, there will be a contingent – a vocal majority in this town – that blames the police.
Try doing that job every day.
Jackattack, an “EYEwitness” is someone who saw the incident. Anyone who heard shots could be considered a witness.
I first learned the difference from an interrogator from In Cold Blood, btw.
That’s a good assertion to make, Commenty Colin. Thanks for keeping me on an even keel. 😉
I would like to really know how far he was from Jackie when he shot him . I think he had too many red bulls and couldn’t aim for shit . After two bullets I highly doubt the officer had to shoot him two more times to save his own life . Sounds like Walters went by the Popigs playbook and implemented exessive force as usual .
@PdX Oddball – It’s *supposed* be overwhelming force. They don’t have to do anything less, it’s not a playground game.
But that IS an important point that’s missing, right? How many times was the guy hit? Did the officer miss three times and then hit him in the hip once? Were the first two warning shots? Did all four hit?
Reymont
Get your info togeather before you start running your mouth . He was hit four times . You dont think thats a little much ?
Reymont – The autopsy revealed that Jackie was shot four times, in both arms and the leg.
PDX Oddball, I find it hypocritical for you to accuse others of running their mouth. “It doesn’t sound like he was running at him”? What the hell do you know? Were you there? Get your info together, indeed. That’s what’s happening. It’s not an instant process. I’m sure we’ll know more as the witness interviews come out.
Personally, if a guy was coming at ME with a bloodied knife, I’d take the gun over a can of pepper spray or a Taser. You don’t bring a Taser to a knife fight, with the chance that the Taser won’t work (see the story posted earlier today about the swordsman in Seattle and why the police there didn’t use a Taser).
they could not release pictures of the knife…
bullpucky… they don’t want to release pictures of it because no one will believe the story then.
thanks
Patrick
Hey paul
The officers statement is where i get my info. It said he was walking toward him . If you believe that . Why did it take three days . The inital statement said there was no time to think , just to react . Sounds like there was more time than they said at first .
Wait, so this guy might not have been the happy-go-lucky drunk his fellow street people said he was? I find that hard to beleive.
THERE WAS NO KNIFE. IT WAS A FUCKING BOXCUTTER.
when I read that PPB’s Ms. Wheat didn’t release a photo of the “knife” my first thought was that they’re smarter than I first figured, as perhaps they do recall what happened last time some goofy authority figures told a tall tale about “box-cutters” (remember 9-11?) and soon the lie unraveled as it became more difficult to sustain such a lie, it was just let go with not a word of response by authorities.
The “box-cutters” tale made the USA the laughingstock of the rest of the world and showed the world just how cravenly vile ‘n’ vicious the Amerikan leadership was to try to pull off such a lie. The PoPiggies don’t want “box-cutters” hampering their tall tale now being told, so they’ve opted call it a “knife” and wait till “discovery phase” (if it ever truly comes) before showing the item….no doubt, a BOX-CUTTER!
Wow, Bad Robot is a truther? Who’d have fucking thought.
I love the whole “cops are just waiting for the first plausible opportunity to murder us because they’re all closet psychos.” Some people never outgrow this sort of juvenile, paranoid bullshit.
There ARE bad cops, but all the bending over backward and semantics-wrangling in the world aren’t going to shoehorn the officer in this case into that box. If you can’t use your weapon to stop a crazy fucker with a a razor, covered in blood & advancing toward you, when would it ever be appropriate?
I don’t know what happened. I wasn’t there. But it is obvious that when we need to hire armchair police, people with no practical experience in criminal justice who are bravely willing to speculate on every aspect from ballistics to conspiracies, the Mercury comment section is the place to go.
I will tell you that if some guy came at me with a box cutter, I would blow his fucking head off, not shoot him in the limbs in an attempt to only maim him. Kudos to you, officer.
[COMMENT DELETED: UNNECESSARILY ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. KEEP IT COOL, FOLKS.]
Hey spartacus
If your not a portland piglet you should be . You’d fit right in .
@PDX Oddball: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-You%27re-and-Yo…
This sort of retroactive speculation is why the police don’t want to start issuing statements immediately. You get douche-wads pontificating on the differences between razors and knives (they’re the same thing), saying that a police officer should let themselves get assaulted for no good reason, et al.
I love how the piglets (the wannebe cops, low-level PPB copsters, the ‘roid abusers, the boys at Brotherhood of the Strong and old has-beens @ PPA) have “discovered” the Mercury’s blog and are now coming here in droves to squeal. We should encourage them all the more….here Piggie, here Piggie, here Piggie Piggie, come here…
Hey Bad Robot… use of such disparaging comments isn’t helping anyone.
PDX Oddball… I’m not going to repeat myself ’cause I already made this point yesterday on a different thread, but if you want some insight into why the cop wasn’t interviewed right away, go and listen to the OPB show from a couple of days ago that Sarah blogged on. It’s not simple.
@Graham. It’s our job as their bosses to oversee the Police. We pay their salaries. (avg. $62K annually after 5 years of service versus the avg. Portland household income of $50K)
So don’t take it personally if folks are interested enough to ask questions for more information. Just like the Police do…
Especially in a case where the PPB sat on the officer’s interview for days until after they had ample time to craft a polished PR piece. And they still haven’t released a photo of the “weapon…”
Per your logic, if Portlanders are going to “pontificate” anyway? Then the PPB might as well immediately provide a public interview with the officer along with all photos.
p.s. Razors and knives aren’t the same thing. Unless you have no experience with weaponry. Or sharp objects. Then yes, they’re both “sharp and pointy.” Just like safety pins, ball-point pens, and hipster’s heads.
Hey paul
I know why they say they don’t and I dont agree with it . I think it’s unfair to everyone involved but the murdering pig . I love how the initial statements of late continue to conflict with the official lie they end up shoving down our throats . How do these coppers kill someone , confiscate drugs , etc and not have to take a piss test . If I hit myself with a hammer I have to take one . Since you love to defend these guys , defend that .
“Collins had approached a woman and her son and had threatened to kill both of them.”
Gee, this Collins guy seems like a real pillar of the community. Why don’t we erect a statue of him in Washington Park?
So I guess the police and the woman in the park got together so their stories would be straight, right?
If Collins simply dropped the knife, he’d still be alive and wandering the streets like usual.
Officer Walters acted in self-defense.
Damn Robot, way to refute my paranoid label by labeling all pro-sanity commenters as either police, collaborators or their well-wishers.
YOU HAVE OUR NUMBER AND YOU ALONE KNOW THE TRUTH: WE’RE ALL OUT TO GET YOUR IMPOTENT, ALL-KNOWING ASS.
Hey Blogtownies! Thanks for commenting and sharing your views on this upsetting and volatile subject. Let’s keep things civil, and keep on showing respect for everyone’s opinions.
Keep up the great moderation, Wm! It’s a testament to your subtle guidance that we’re having such insightful discussions.
I used to frequent a watering hole that a group of portland cops did as well . There would be a group of 5 to 15 of them on any given night . I went to school with one of them and was priveledge to some conversations I couldnt believe . They talked of wanting to put bullets in peoples heads . Laughed about hurting people . Made constant rascist statements . Would get wasted and then drive home . If you dont think thats the norm , then your in a dream world .
OW! Your sarcasm gave me a paper cut!
@CC: Quit giving away our secrets. Calm and quiet reasoning skills are not acceptable tools for the proles. I also love that they’re focusing on the split second reactions of one man, rather than the systemic problems we’ve created to subjugate the masses. No mental health care or addiction counseling for ANYONE!
EVERYTHING IS A LIE! EVERYTHING IS A LIE!
Am I paranoid enough to hang out here now?
As exampled [yet again], the only way a White man is ever targeted or out-right murdered by cops is if they relinquish a huge part of their status in this country. For James Chasse it meant being mentally ill. For Jackie Collins it meant being homeless. As for the latest killer cop Jason Walters, well, we already know how the so-called grand jury will decide this one.
How long will it be before the Portland Gestapo blow someone else away? I’ll guess April, maybe early May, since these pigs seem to kill an average of one person every two months now.
if it is a knife, then they should be willing to show it… it is not evidence in a case… we know this because they _never_ go after officers and the only other person involved is dead…
release it, or you look like you are hiding something… like that it wasn’t a knife…
thanks
Patrick
It would be really interesting if it took the police a day to make an comment because they were too busy planting an x-acto knife on the body. Fairly easy to do with no witnesses. Maybe they even sliced the guy up a little to make it look like he was dangerous. Not that I believe any of this — but it WOULD be interesting.
Progressives, by and large, live in luxuriant security, a safe distance from anything ugly, anything violent that snakes through this world and is the reality that doesn’t go well with their organic fair-trade lattes. The “Portland Gestapo”, like little children yelling names from their sandbox. Anyone could look around at the average Portland progressive and see not a man, but the natural consequence of America’s corrupting wealth.
alan,
that would not be interesting at all. why would they plant a blade for themselves to find? also, collins having cuts on him wouldn’t make him look any more dangerous because he is already dead. self inflicted wounds don’t make you more dangerous to others.
think before you speak.
You all seem to be accepting the proposition that a trained police officer only has one choice at his disposal. Weren’t police at one time trained to disarm someone with a knife or other weapon? My grandmother could have taken a knife away from a staggering old drunk who was probably somewhat in shock already from injuries. I guess the officer didnt want to get any blood on his bullet (and knife) proof vest. And I dont suppose he could have holstered his gun and DODGED OUT OF THE WAY of a staggering mentally ill old man. What about the taser they so love to use? A taser can be shot from some distance as well as close range. And what about pepper spray? And it is ludicrous to expect that a staggering drunk mentally ill bleeding injured old man is going to comprehend commands from a policeman.
Self defense? Some cops these days are simply vigilantes, ridding the world of what they deem to be scum. Plain and simple explanation.
Scott Westerman is the Mark Fuhrman of Portland – no matter if the officer is in the right or in the wrong, his job is to play CYA, no matter what the cost.
Which means that just like Fuhrman tried to frame a guilty man, Westerman is telling half-truths about the situation before the information is known, and is harming the credibility of the City of Portland, the PPB, and the PPA.
Alright, we’ve got “Portland Gestapo” and “Mark Fuhrman.” We’re getting so close, you guys, so close!
Godwin is a genius.
I’ll say it again, there is nobody on this blog who would be willing to take on a bloody homeless guy holding an edged weapon without a more effective weapon in their hands.
Unless of course zombie Bruce Lee is posting, then all bets are off.
Also I’d like a bullet proof AND knife proof vest as I’ve never heard of one. Can anyone cite a source for one of those. Having put M-4 rounds through so called bullet proof glass and SAPI plates I’d like to see something more better.
Thanks ahead of time Inter-experts.
And no, sorry loonies, I don’t want to be a cop. I don’t point guns at people anymore (because it’s not nice).
From The Oregonian:
“The razor-type knife, police said, had a 6-inch handle and a 1-inch blade.”
Isn’t that an X-Acto?
“Alright, we’ve got “Portland Gestapo” and “Mark Fuhrman.” We’re getting so close, you guys, so close!
Godwin is a genius.”
So b/c smarter people prefer to call it EXACTLY as it is as oppose to hiding behind coded language, YOU want to cry “Godwin”. Fine, but that still doesn’t change the topic. Portland cops are STILL racist, fascist, cowardly thugs who’s main objective is to SHOOT FISRT & get desk duty later.
@DamosA: Who is Fisrt? And why does the PPB hate them so? Thank you for bringing a calm reasonable voice to the conversation.
Touche, Graham.
damosA, you are definitely not one of the smarter ones.
for the most part, i don’t trust anyone who wants to hold a position of authority over the general public, but at the same time i would never make a blanket statement about any group of people. that is no way to make a point because it gets immediately dismissed by those of any intelligence and hammered into the brains of the ignorant. so thanks.
COME ON PEOPLE. guess what?! horribly tragic things happen where no one is completely to blame. you can debate the shit out of it, but this is one of those cases. it sucks. if you want to blame something, blame capitalism.
As a 5’2″ 104 lb female pedestrian with a 6 year old son in the Pearl/Downtown NW 23rd St area, I applaud police intervention. Too many times to recount, a person requiring mental help, tweaker, or just plain aggressive has yelled obscenities, tried to run my son and I over on the sidewalk with his bike, blocked our path or plain just acted in a threatening manner. Over reacting? Look at the case in San Diego where a mentally ill person cut a child’s throat in a public restroom. There are alot of cases not widely publicized in which a person suffering mental illness has harmed a person or property. Truly I wish all people who needed mental health assistance could get it. The reality of the situation is they can’t and I am glad that the person who just pissed on the bus is thrown off, the guy threatening to kill everyone at the 18th and Burnside McDonald’s is picked up and the transient with the knife is stopped. Everyone thinks it is so easy to respond with measured force, just enough so the poor crazy person doesn’t get hurt. What about the person who didn’t get knifed in the park that day? How respectful of the citizenry victims is it to just feel bad for the unfortunate but off their rocker aggressor. How many of you have reasoned with an insane person with a weapon. Until there is a cure for this social ill, I thank the police officers for protecting my son and I.
Here’s a statement that is true:
“f you call 911 the likelihood of a police officer(s) killing someone will increase.”
Cops are pussies just like everyone else, and they don’t want to get hurt. They don’t have any ninja moves, and apparently, they don’t even know how to use a taser or baton or any of that shit.
So, with that in mind, think before you call the cops. Ask yourself if the situation can be diffused without police intervention. Learn how to defend yourself. Learn some karate moves or something. Carry a gun if it makes you feel better. Hell, carry some rocks in your pocket. You can disable an attacker pretty well by beaning him in the forehead with a rock, I would hope.
In hindsight, the best thing that the cop or anyone in this situation could have done would be this:
1. Disable bloody man with a roundhouse leg sweep (see Street Fighter for NES as a reference).
2. Kick the x-acto blade out of his hand.
3. Call an ambulance.
4. Now all you have to deal with is a bloody old drunk guy, so either handcuff him, lock him in the restroom, or threaten to kick him again if he gets up. If he tries to get up, kick him real hard in the nuts.
5. Situation resolved and no one died.
It’s easier in the video game than real life.