Portland, Oregon – A 29-year-old man with a history of violence and mental health concerns was arrested for allegedly assaulting and killing a man near downtown Portland’s waterfront. Abel Nistor, the suspect, has a troubling past that includes convictions for assaulting and strangling his father, as well as killing the family dog in separate incidents.
In 2015, Nistor was sentenced to six months in jail for killing his brother’s Rottweiler with a hammer and knife. He pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated animal abuse and animal abandonment, leading to anger management classes and a 15-year ban on owning pets. Despite his disturbing actions, his brother believed in giving him a second chance and opted for anger management courses instead of a prison sentence.
Nistor’s violence continued in 2023 when he attacked his father, believing him to be a demon. Deputies responded to a call and found Nistor assaulting his father, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. Despite being deemed mentally unfit at one point, Nistor eventually pleaded guilty to assault charges and was sentenced to prison and probation.
The recent incident near Portland’s Eastbank Esplanade, where a man was found dead and Nistor was arrested as a suspect, is just one of many violent crimes along the downtown waterfront in recent years. Bystanders, including a waste transportation worker and security guard, intervened to stop the assault. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Nistor remains in jail as of the latest updates, facing allegations of second-degree murder and assault. The series of violent incidents in the area highlight ongoing safety concerns and the need for increased vigilance. The community is left unnerved by such tragic events, with city leaders determined to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence.