Man With Criminal History In Several States Arrested In Portland

PORTLAND, OR — Police on Wednesday arrested a man who has allegedly caused all sorts of trouble near the Buhler Cutoff Trail between Southwest Barber and Southwest Terwilliger boulevards.

Thomas Pfalmer, 34, was taken to the Multnomah County Jail on charges of unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and second degree criminal mischief, according to police. His bail is set at $10,000; though during his recognizance release interview, Pfalmer reportedly threatened the interviewing officer to release him "or else," resulting in the officer's recommendation Pfalmer's release be denied.

Around 5:45 p.m. Aug. 23, police responded to the 4900-block of Southwest Barbur Boulevard after a 911 caller reported a man with a knife threatening people in the area, police said. When officers contacted the victim, they were reportedly told that Pfalmer had cut apart the man's tent with a box-cutter-like knife before telling him to leave the wooded area around the Buhler Cutoff Trail and not to come back.

Using a K9 unit and Portland police's Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team, officers located Pfalmer and arrested him without incident, police said, noting that when they found him, Pfalmer allegedly threw his knife into some nearby bushes — where it was found and logged as evidence.

Another victim reportedly came forward after Pfalmer's arrest and told officers that he too was threatened by Pfalmer while he hiked the same trail earlier.

Police say Pfalmer is also likely responsible for several recent reports of a man throwing sticks and rocks at passing bicyclists and cars in the same area.

Pfalmer has a history of arrests in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and North Carolina, with charges ranging from grand theft to battery and assault. This is evidently his first arrest in Oregon.

Anyone else who may have come into contact with Pfalmer near the Buhler Cutoff Trail is asked to call the Portland police non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

Image: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office