As a survivor of a violent robbery and mugging on the waterfront path under the Hawthorne Bridge where I was riding my bicycle on my usual commute, I fell victim to a sidewalk funnel that provides little means of escape.

The assailants were Tongan teenagers out looking for beer money. They knocked me off of my bike, and took my wallet and shoes. Even with $125 in hand you’d think they would’ve run by then, but they stuck around to stomp on my head and torso, breaking my hearing aid into pieces in the process. I tried to scream for help, but due to my deafness, I couldn’t tell if I was screaming loud enough. After slamming my bike on me and throwing it in the river, I was probably going to be thrown over the seawall myself if I hadn’t fought back like I did. Miraculously I was able to prevent myself from being knocked out cold due to protecting my temples with my arms, and staggered away to the nearby waterfront pub for help.

I went to Emanuel and required care during my recovery. The three were caught and sentenced. This incident is a perfect example of why Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is important, as well as encouraging responsible and lawful conceal-carry firearms for self defense. This wasn’t a simple robbery, and it won’t be the last. I can only hope that the City of Portland will be proactive in environmental design and safety on the Waterfront and the lower Steel Bridge, and to not shame or punish those who lawfully (in accordance to state laws, not stupid city ordinances) open-carry or conceal-carry.