Victim details assault with machete near Portland’s Nickelodeon theater

A Maine resident was assaulted by an unknown assailant wielding a machete outside the Nickelodeon Cinemas in Portland’s Old Port on the night of August 29, police say. The attack, which took place shortly after 1 a.m. near the intersection of Middle and Temple streets, left the victim with serious injuries and has sparked a search for the attacker and a community‑wide fundraising effort for medical and legal costs.

A Sudden, Violent Encounter

The victim, who requested anonymity because of safety concerns, described the events to the Portland Press Herald. “I was walking with a friend across a crosswalk on Fore Street after 1 p.m. [likely a typo for a.m.],” the victim recalled. A car suddenly cut across their path, striking the walking stick they carried and brushing their arm. The driver halted in the road and shouted before eventually catching up to the victim and their companion.

The attacker exited the vehicle, lifted his shirt, and revealed a machete. An argument erupted, and the driver lunged at the victim, knocking them off balance. The assailant then swung the machete, striking the victim’s arm and head with both the blade and its blunt end. “I can’t remember much from the attack, aside from a hazy memory of being bandaged up afterward,” the victim said. “If I had kept fighting back, he would have killed me.” The injuries were severe enough to require treatment for multiple gashes and a fractured skull; the victim also reported difficulties recalling words and a resurgence of intense migraines from childhood.

Medical Care and Ongoing Recovery

The victim was transported to Maine Medical Center, where the medical team treated the wounds. “The next few days were a blur,” the victim explained. Weeks later, they are still in recovery, dealing with lingering pain and the psychological toll of the assault.

Police Investigation

Portland Police Department officials confirmed they are actively investigating the incident. Emergency call records indicate the attack occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 29. “There is no information indicating an ongoing threat to the general public,” said spokesperson Brad Nadeau in a written statement. “The investigation remains active, and detectives are working to determine exactly what occurred and identify the person responsible.” No suspect has been taken into custody as of Wednesday morning.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 207‑874‑8575.

Community Support and Fundraising

The victim’s family and close friend, Padien Haviland, owner of Dear Dairy Ice Cream, has launched a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses and legal fees. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised roughly $800. “We need community support for this person who has suffered a terrible attack,” Haviland told reporters.

Next Steps

The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to sift through surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence. The police have not indicated that the perpetrator has been identified or that a threat to the public remains. In the meantime, the victim and their loved ones are awaiting justice and the possibility of a trial that could hold the attacker accountable.

Portland’s residents and neighbors have expressed shock and concern over the attack, which has brought the city’s safety to the forefront of public discourse. Police and community members alike are hoping for a resolution that restores peace to the Old Port area and ensures that such an assault never happens again.