On July 28, a horrifying incident unfolded on a Portland street when an Oregon doctor, Mary Costantino, became the victim of a random and violent attack. Surveillance footage captured the moment an unidentified attacker threw an aluminum bottle at her face as she was leaving a bar with a friend around 10:50 p.m. The impact left her bloodied and unconscious on the ground.
Fearful for her life, Costantino managed to call 911 while waiting for police to arrive. However, she was forced to endure a nerve-wracking wait of over 20 minutes before help reached her location near Southwest 17th Avenue and Southwest Yamhill Street in downtown Portland.
In the aftermath of the attack, photos revealed the extent of her injuries – a black eye, a cut on her nose, and a busted lip. Although she didn’t feel much pain during the assault, the sight of her own blood made her realize the severity of the situation.
Costantino holds the city accountable for defunding the police, believing that the lack of sufficient police force has left citizens vulnerable and unprotected. While she doesn’t blame the police for the delay in their response, she voices concern about the safety of everyone in the community and fears that similar incidents could happen to anyone.
Describing the suspect as a white male in his 20s or 30s, the police are continuing their search for the attacker. Costantino is grateful for her friend’s intervention during the assault and feels fortunate for her own safety but remains worried about the safety of her loved ones and fellow citizens.
The Portland Police Department has experienced a decrease in staffing, with around 800 officers serving a population of over 640,000 people. This has raised concerns about the city’s ability to address rising crime rates effectively.
Costantino’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reducing police resources and the urgent need to prioritize public safety for all residents.