Police Arrested Suspect After Southwest Portland Stabbing
A 59-year-old man remains in custody facing attempted murder charges following a violent incident Wednesday.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Portland police have arrested 59-year-old Russell Szkolnyj after a stabbing incident that left one man with serious injuries. The victim is currently receiving medical care and is expected to recover from the assault.
Why it matters
Public safety concerns remain at the forefront of downtown activity, where transit and pedestrian traffic converge. The investigation is ongoing as authorities process the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Police responded to the stabbing at 10 a.m. and apprehended the 59-year-old suspect near Southwest 20th Avenue and Southwest Jefferson Street. While the victim remains hospitalized, no further details on the duration of his recovery have been released.
The players
Russell Szkolnyj
The 59-year-old man arrested in connection with the Southwest Portland stabbing.
Multnomah County Detention Center
The facility where the suspect is currently being held.
The details
The incident began near Southwest Clay Street and Southwest 12th Avenue, where the victim reported an earlier confrontation with the suspect. Following the stabbing, police located Szkolnyj several blocks away and booked him into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He now faces charges of first-degree assault, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Timeline
Police were dispatched to the scene at 10 a.m. on September 25, 2026.
The suspect was arrested on September 25, 2026.
Beyond the Bridges
This response reflects the ongoing focus on street-level public safety protocols in downtown corridors. It follows established operational trends for violent crime response in the city's central districts.
Commuters and residents in the West Hills area should expect continued police presence near the Southwest Clay and 12th Avenue intersection as the investigation proceeds. No changes to public transit or road closures have been announced at this time.
The takeaway
Authorities have the suspect in custody and the victim is stable, marking an end to the immediate threat. Residents should watch for further updates from the Multnomah County District Attorney regarding the formal arraignment timeline.
Further reading
For updates on local department activity, visit Law Enforcement.
