OPP arrest Portland man following assault, threats toward hospital staff

A Portland man is facing multiple charges following a violent incident and a subsequent confrontation at a local hospital.

Leeds OPP say in a Thursday, June 12 media release that on Saturday, May 31 shortly after 8 p.m., officers with the Leeds County OPP responded to a disturbance in Portland. Police say a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser) was deployed to gain control of the situation and arrest one individual. That person was later taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police say that while at the hospital, the suspect made threats toward medical staff.

As a result of the investigation, 45-year-old Christopher Church of Portland has been charged with:

• Assault
• Mischief – destroy or damage property
• Mischief – obstruct, interrupt or interfere
• Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm

Charges have not been proven in court.

Church was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Brockville court on June 27, 2025.