The Portland Police Bureau said a man is facing a felony assault charge following a 4-month investigation. East Precinct officers responded to the 4900 block of SE Boise Street for a report of a victim being chased and attacked by a suspect with an axe just before 11 PM on August 12, 2023.

Upon arrival, officers found an adult male victim with a severe laceration to his left leg. Officers used a tourniquet to control the bleeding before EMS was summoned. The victim was taken to a local hospital with a serious, non-life-threatening injury. Authorities say officers learned that the suspect had left the scene in a white pickup truck.

Officers searched for the suspect but no one was immediately arrested. According to PPB, the victim was followed by the suspect after a road rage incident and the men were strangers. The victim had initially been in possession of the hatchet, but it was taken by the suspect who physically assaulted him with it.

The case was transferred to the Major Crimes Unit. A detective identified 32-year-old Joseph K. Chastain as the suspect in the case. On December 7, 2023, Chastain was interviewed by detectives before being booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

Chastain is facing charges of Assault in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Authorities claim the suspected weapon was found during a search of the suspect’s residence.