Man Charged Following Knife Attack at Portland Shop
Richard Lynn Spencer faces robbery and bias crime charges after a confrontation at a Portland business.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Property Crime
Authorities charged 57-year-old Richard Lynn Spencer with multiple felonies following an August 27 incident at Sellwood Union. Video footage shows Spencer threatening the store owner with a knife while shouting racial epithets.
Why it matters
The case highlights local law enforcement efforts to prosecute crimes involving both theft and hate-motivated intimidation. It underscores the serious legal implications for suspects accused of using weapons during retail interactions.
Richard Lynn Spencer remains held without bail at the Multnomah County Jail following his September 18 arraignment. He faces counts of First-Degree Robbery, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, First-Degree Bias Crime, and Menacing.
The players
Richard Lynn Spencer
The 57-year-old suspect is currently in custody and has a documented criminal history in West Virginia and Indiana.
Multnomah County Jail
This is the detention facility where the suspect is being held without bail while awaiting further legal proceedings.
The details
After being confronted for shoplifting, the suspect allegedly pulled a knife and directed racial slurs toward the store owner. Police identified the suspect using video footage collected from the scene.
Timeline
August 27: Police responded to the shoplifting incident at Sellwood Union.
September 18: Spencer was formally arraigned on his criminal charges.
September 28: Spencer has a scheduled court appearance.
Legal Context
This case reflects the ongoing application of Oregon's First-Degree Bias Crime statute, which provides a legal framework for prosecuting threats when combined with discriminatory language. Such prosecutions demonstrate the state's intent to treat bias-motivated offenses as severe criminal conduct.
The arrest ensures the suspect is removed from the community, providing immediate relief to business owners concerned about safety. Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of video evidence in documenting and prosecuting violent incidents in public spaces.
The takeaway
Retailers are increasingly relying on high-quality video surveillance to assist law enforcement in identifying suspects involved in aggressive shoplifting incidents. Being aware of store security protocols can help business owners provide better evidence to police when criminal confrontations occur.
What happens next
Spencer is scheduled for a court appearance on September 28.
Further reading
Learn more about local enforcement efforts in the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATU.
