Portland man federally charged after allegedly breaking into downtown courthouse and choking court officer

Jett Avery Thomas, 39, of Portland, Oregon, has been charged with assaulting a federal employee of the United States with a dangerous weapon and causing bodily injury, according to the United States Attorneys Office of the District of Oregon.

Court documents state that Thomas threw an object at the Pioneer Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland on the morning of July 3. While a court security officer attempted to address him, Thomas charged up the front steps of the courthouse and assaulted the security officer as the officer attempted to secure the door behind him.

Thomas forced the door open and physically assaulted the officer by placing him into a chokehold and striking him with a hard object. The struggle continued on the steps of the courthouse and the security officer fired two shots from his service weapon into Thomas' torso.

Thomas was apprehended and transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. The officer was also transported to a local hospital and was released after being treated for his injuries.

Jett Avery Thomas has an extensive criminal history with charges dating back to 2007, which includes a lengthy list of felony convictions.

According to records, Thomas has received felony charges for Arson in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Possession of Methamphetamine.

The misdemeanor charges on Thomas' record include Theft in the Third Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree.

If convicted on charges, Thomas will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the incident on Monday.