Dustin Rotbart, a 40-year-old Oregon resident, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly terrorizing neighbors with knives, stun batons, bows and arrows, and vehicles. Authorities link his behavior to psychedelic mushroom use and personal issues, including a divorce filing. He was arrested on February 23 and held without bail.
Dustin Rotbart, 40, was arrested on February 23 in Portland, Oregon, following reports of disturbing behavior toward neighbors. He is currently detained at the Multnomah County Detention Center without bail, facing three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, three counts of menacing, two counts of burglary, and one count of disorderly conduct. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 13.
The incidents began escalating in January. On January 19, police responded to reports of shots fired by Rotbart, who was allegedly under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. Officers found him disrobed, with mushrooms in his vehicle and an AR-15 rifle and revolver in his garage. The following day, January 20, a judge issued an order prohibiting Rotbart from possessing deadly weapons, citing clear evidence of risk to himself or others.
Tensions rose further on February 14 at a local business, where Rotbart reportedly drew a knife and threatened patrons, asking, "Do you want to get stabbed? Do you want to die today?" A bystander attempted to disarm him, noting Rotbart also carried a stun baton. Surveillance footage captured Rotbart chasing the bystander toward his apartment, though the encounter ended peacefully with a high-five. The apartment doorman confirmed the account to police.
The next day, February 15, residents reported Rotbart aiming a bow and arrow at homes and people in a neighborhood. Similar actions occurred a week earlier on his own property, but no arrest followed then. Shortly after police departed, another call came in: a woman claimed Rotbart tried to hit her with his car. Video evidence showed his vehicle speeding toward a group of pedestrians.
Court documents attribute Rotbart's actions to psychedelic mushroom use and his wife's divorce filing, which led to him being evicted. He allegedly broke down their door and threw a book at her, with an AR-15 found in his car at the time.
Seven neighbors penned a letter expressing safety fears, detailing a pattern of behavior including firing about 20 rounds from a firearm, verbal assaults, and early-morning loud parties. They noted altering daily routines and keeping children indoors as a result.