HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (KOIN) – An Oregon State Police sergeant was the victim of a hate crime by a man who threatened to cut off her head after she took him into custody.
KOIN 6 News learned troopers arrested Jimmy James Jr. earlier this month after he was contacted at a fast food restaurant on SE 82nd Avenue near Southgate Road in Happy Valley. James was taken into custody on various drug-related charges after the OSP sergeant found drug paraphernalia and used needles on and around him.
As she was taking James into custody, she found actual heroin, authorities said. James then started calling the trooper derogatory names based on her gender and race, KOIN 6 News has learned.
He used the “N” word and the “C” word along with profane expressions, officials confirmed. At one point, James reportedly threatened to kill the trooper by cutting off her head. The sergeant asked James if he was threatening her and he said, “Yes, I’m threatening you.”
James, who is on parole for weapons offenses, is now charged with 2nd-degree intimidation and harassment. Under Oregon law, 2nd-degree intimidation is considered a hate crime. A court-appointed attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
