I think we had a communication breakdown’

The latest demonstration by four of Portland State’s resident street preachers turned physical Tuesday with an altercation between a student and Preacher Jim.

According to students eyewitnesses, it escalated from yelling to gesturing to “forceful, full-contact pointing.” Onlookers also reported that once the accused began yelling, Preacher Jim’s companions grabbed him and began wrestling him away.

The student, whose name was not released, was taken into custody by Campus Public Safety officers and charged with assault and disorderly conduct.

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Mike Soto, director of Campus Public Safety, was on the scene and said, “it will be up to the preachers whether to file further charges.”

Although many students said Tuesday’s preaching was louder and more obnoxious than Preacher Dan’s, Soto said “as long as it’s not targeted at one person directly, they’re protected by their First Amendment rights.”

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Preacher Jim said he didn’t intend to press charges and noted, “I know what I do causes problems.”