Racism lawsuit delayed Portland lawyer says he received death threat

PORTLAND – The lawyer for a Sudanese family that accuses Portland police of using excessive force said a death threat kept him from filing the lawsuit in federal court.

Lewiston police confirmed they are investigating a report by the attorney, Charles Williams, that he found a photograph of a black man hanging from a noose on his car windshield Thursday before a news conference later in the day.

At the news conference, Williams, who is black, accused Portland police of racism and of using excessive force against three women in the Okot family during a June 13 incident.

Williams demanded an apology from Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood and the dropping of charges against the women. Otherwise, Williams said, he would file a $100 million lawsuit in federal court.

Williams had said he would file the suit Friday, but said that afternoon he feared for his safety. He said he planned to file it “soon,” but did not give specifics.

“We will not be deterred by virtue of this death threat,” he said, adding, “it would be stupid of me not to take it seriously.”

Lewiston police Lt. Tom Avery said his department was taking the matter seriously. Avery said he did not see the picture and that Williams told police he “was so upset he ripped it up and threw it to the ground.”

“We are hampered that we don’t have the original item,” Avery said.

On June 13, members of the Okot family called for an ambulance after David Okot, 17, swallowed something and threatened to kill himself.

Police said they tried to subdue the teen, who they said had a screwdriver and a fork in his hands, and was having a psychotic episode.

Police said the three female family members interfered and assaulted an officer. One was bitten on the arm and required medical treatment. They were charged with various offenses, including assaulting an officer.