Portland Man Sentenced to 3 Months of Prison After Brutally Beating Up Cyclists With Metal Pipes

Vandalizing the joys of cycling trips, a stinging clash of aggressive assaults was recorded months back in Portland, Oregon. On June 3, an unsuspecting group of naked riders were traveling along Northwest 19th Avenue and Flanders Street, when a shocking attack crossed their path. Voicing in favor of self-positivity, their venture was halted when one man’s rage led to a severe aftermath. 

As they were pedaling along the Nob Hill neighborhood, a 40-year-local named Robert E. Houchins had his target set on the unfortunate cycling group of nine members. While his hateful blows with a metal pipe landed on two of these nude cyclists, the ruthless invader is now facing legal repercussions, charged under multiple acts of misdemeanor. Sadly, this tragedy took off months before Portland witnessed its glorifying World Naked Bike Ride event, hailing a stern contrast between both stances. 

Cruel attack breaks harmony in cycling adventures 

Enjoying their vibrant cycling venture, the naked riders were left in shock when Houchins intervened with a three-foot-long pipe, while hurtful slurs came out of his unjustified agnony. Reportedly, the cyclists were affiliated to ride for the Buck Moon Naked event, which was supposed to be held on that same night.

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As a part of Portland’s Pedalpalooza, the joyous cycling festival with summer-long trips grappled in awe when its participants faced this tragic invasion. Evidently, while screaming out homophobic curses at one of his two victims, Houchins depicted ruthless hatred with biased aggression. 

Following his misdeed, the assailant was charged with one count of second-degree attempts to attack, along with two counts of unlawful weapon usage. Additionally, he will also be facing the wrath of two counts of first-degree bias crime, as reported by the Multnomah County grand jury on November 28. 

A saddening stance in discriminatory assaults 

Adding to the severity of his misconduct against the cycling riders, Houchins was sentenced to 36 months of prison life, as announced on October 24. Currently under the custody of Oregon Department of Corrections, the reckless attacker had a dark history of violating legal boundaries. 

Regrettably, his prior charges included 28 convictions based on sexual abuse, theft, and arson; alongside failing to appear in court almost 45 times. While his ‘baseball-like’ swings gladly had no serious impacts on both cycling members, it ignited a striking concern, notifying the doubling of biased crimes. 

As per records, a count of 339 incidents provoked by such motives was reported in 2022, with actions against race, ancestry, ethnicity, and sexual orientation being on top. With the locality suffering these cycling mishaps, one event came as a beacon of hope, landing Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride event in August. Underscoring the challenges faced by vulnerable communities even while cycling for freedom, this tour gained boundless appreciation with every pedal. 

Founded in 2003, this year’s trip embodied the essence of mere nudity as an act of pride. Hinting at its 2024 venue, the glorifying cycling venture might have an imminent appearance in San Antonio next year. With many naked cycling escapades vulnerable to such incidents, the Portland clash advocated for acceptance, symbolizing the joys of bodily freedom. 

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