Deputy Says Woman Tried to Take His Gun in Multnomah Courthouse

Deputies say it appears that the Ms. Hawkins has some mental disorders.

42-year old Alicia R. Hawkins Photo: Multnomah County Sheriff

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Nobody was hurt today in a Portland courthouse when a woman reportedly tried to pull the gun out of the holster of a passing deputy.

It would be fair to say that Multnomah County deputies had their fill of unexpected gun incidents Tuesday. Around 10:00 AM, a pair of deputies serving an eviction notice on an apartment dweller say they were surprised when he pulled out a gun. The other incident today involved the deputy actually having to wrestle the woman's hand off the gun.

Public information Spokesman Deputy Travis Gullberg says a female patron at the courthouse attempted to grab Deputy Steve Cole's firearm as they passed each other on the 4th Floor.

"The woman was not charged with a crime but rather arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant."

He says they arrested 42-year old Alicia R. Hawkins. The situation obviously could have turned deadly, but it was resolved very quickly by the deputy.

"Deputy Steve Cole was passing the female patron on the 4th floor of the courthouse when she stepped in front of him, spun, and reached for his gun. Deputy Cole grabbed her hand, secured her against the wall and immediately called for assistance," Gullberg said.

It appears that the Ms. Hawkins has some mental disorders. Gullberg says she also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear/Possession of a Controlled Substance-Cocaine.

Ms. Hawkins was taken into custody but has not been charged with a crime in relation to this incident. She is currently being held at the Justice Center.