Walmart Robbed At Knifepoint; Suspect Arrested: Portland Police

PORTLAND, OR — A man who allegedly robbed the jewelry counter at a Walmart with a knife, then threw the knife at a Portland officer, was arrested Thursday evening, according to authorities.

Jeremy James Williams, 33, was taken to the Multnomah County Jail for robbery and attempted assault. His bail is set at $520,000.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers were dispatched to a reported robbery at the Walmart at 4200 S.E. 82nd Ave. just before 6:45 p.m. Dec. 21. Dispatchers reported a man with a large knife, who was later identified as Williams, had walked into the store, approached the jewelry counter, then demanded money while threatening employees with the blade.

Williams allegedly took several items from the store and left the Walmart before officers arrived; however, he'd barely made it across the shopping center's parking lot before officers located him, based on the description provided by dispatchers.

As police approached Williams, he fled on foot with officers giving chase.

Roughly a quarter-mile from the Walmart, in parking lot in the 8200-block of Southeast Cora Street, Williams turned and threw the 8-inch chef knife at one of the officers chasing him. The knife reportedly hit the officer's vest and did not cause any injuries.

A fight ensued as officers took Williams into custody, authorities said.

Williams required medical aid for minor injuries sustained in the fight before he was taken to jail.

Williams has a criminal history of robbery, theft, and assault charges in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Curry counties beginning with his first burglary conviction in April 2001 — when he was just 17 years old.

Image via Portland Police Bureau