An intoxicated man in Portland’s Old Town was rescued by police and fire crews after climbing onto a heliport building and refusing to come down. The 37-year-old, identified as Aron T. Wiprud, was cited for burglary and criminal mischief following the incident. The coordinated response highlights the effective collaboration between the city’s emergency services.
Fire crew helps police rescue intoxicated trespasser from Old Town heliport building

Key Takeaways:
- An intoxicated man climbed onto a heliport building in Portland’s Old Town.
- The man refused to come down, prompting a rescue operation.
- Police and fire crews worked together to safely rescue him.
- The man, identified as Aron T. Wiprud, 37, was cited for burglary and criminal mischief.
- The incident showcased the cooperation between Portland’s emergency responders.
An Unusual Climb in Old Town
An intoxicated man startled residents and authorities in Portland’s Old Town by climbing onto the rooftop of the city’s heliport building. The individual, identified as 37-year-old Aron T. Wiprud, made his way onto the structure and refused to come down, setting the stage for a tense standoff.
Refusal to Descend
Despite efforts by law enforcement to persuade him to descend peacefully, Wiprud remained atop the heliport. His refusal created a challenging situation for responders, who needed to ensure his safety without escalating the situation.
Collaborative Rescue Efforts
Recognizing the complexity of the scenario, police enlisted the help of the city’s fire crews. Together, the two departments devised a plan to safely reach and retrieve Wiprud from the rooftop. The coordinated effort demonstrated the seamless collaboration between Portland’s emergency services in the face of unusual circumstances.
Legal Repercussions
After successfully bringing him down without incident, authorities cited Wiprud for burglary and criminal mischief. These charges reflect the seriousness of unlawfully accessing the heliport facility and the potential risks involved in the incident.
Conclusion
The episode underscores the dedication and effectiveness of Portland’s emergency responders. Through teamwork and strategic planning, they resolved a potentially dangerous situation safely and professionally. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by those tasked with maintaining public safety.