PORTLAND, Ore. (August 27, 2025) — A Portland man has been sentenced to almost six years in prison after shooting another man using a slingshot, hitting him in the back with a barbed dart.
40-year-old Joseph Naes received a sentence of 70 months in prison, which covers both the dart incident and a separate charge related to the assault and harassment of his wife in a domestic violence incident. According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Naes’ actions not only harmed an innocent man but also reflected a history of violence, including towards his own family.
The Dart Attack on Logan Sharp
The attack took place on July 17, 2024, when Naes used a slingshot to fire a 6-inch barbed dart into the back of another man, 31-year-old Logan Sharp, on the MAX platform at 16155 Burnside Street.
In video footage provided by the District Attorney’s Office, Naes is seen waiting for Sharp to walk by before launching the dart from his slingshot. The dart struck Sharp in his right shoulder, leaving it lodged in his back.
The video shows Naes walking away casually, seemingly waving goodbye, while Sharp, visibly in shock, is left with a dart sticking out of his shoulder.
A nearby bystander, who had been sitting on a bench, immediately rushed to help Sharp. Together, they attempted to remove the dart but were unsuccessful. They then called for emergency assistance, which soon arrived.
Victim’s Injuries and Hospitalization
Sharp was quickly transported to the hospital, where he was treated for a collapsed lung, a result of the dart penetrating his back. His injuries were serious but not fatal. However, the physical and emotional trauma left Sharp shaken by the experience. He later shared his gratitude for the quick response from the bystander and emergency services that helped him during such a terrifying moment.
While Sharp survived the ordeal, the psychological toll has lingered. “It was a random act of violence. I never expected something like that to happen to me,” Sharp later commented. “I’m just grateful to be alive.”
The Link to Domestic Violence
Joseph Naes’ violent behavior did not end with the attack on Sharp. In addition to the slingshot dart incident, Naes was also charged for assaulting and harassing his wife in a separate domestic violence case. The family violence had been escalating for some time before the attack on Sharp.
The details of the domestic violence incident revealed that Naes had a history of aggression, including several altercations with his wife. According to law enforcement, there had been prior incidents of physical and emotional abuse, but the attack on Sharp marked a particularly dangerous escalation in Naes’ violent behavior.
Domestic violence victims often face difficulties in leaving abusive situations due to fear, financial dependency, or social pressures. Naes’ wife had previously reached out to authorities for assistance, but like many victims, she struggled to break free from the cycle of abuse.
The court’s sentencing of Naes in this case sent a clear message about the importance of holding abusers accountable.
A History of Violence
Joseph Naes’ history of violence is further illustrated by his use of a slingshot and a barbed dart as weapons. Such a weapon, often considered a child’s toy, was used in this instance as a tool of aggression, underscoring the unpredictability of Naes’ behavior.
The use of the slingshot to fire a barbed dart with precision indicates a level of calculated aggression, adding to the gravity of his actions.
The situation also raised concerns about access to weapons, as the dart used was a significant weapon of harm, capable of causing serious injury or death. While not a traditional firearm, the attack with the dart brings attention to the ways in which violence can manifest through unconventional methods.
The availability of such tools, even seemingly harmless ones, can have devastating consequences when used with malicious intent.
The Legal Outcome and Reactions
After a thorough investigation, Naes was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including second-degree assault and harassment related to the domestic violence case. Following the sentencing, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Julian Samuels, who prosecuted the case, spoke to the severity of the crime.
“This was an unnecessary act of violence. Joseph Naes’ actions were not just reckless but calculated and intended to harm,” Samuels stated after the court proceedings. “We are pleased with the sentence and hopeful that it will send a message that violent behavior, whether it’s in the form of domestic violence or random acts like this, will not be tolerated.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanked law enforcement for their diligence in investigating both the slingshot attack and the domestic violence case. They also expressed gratitude to victim advocates for their continued support of those affected by such violence, including Logan Sharp and Naes’ wife.
A Wake-Up Call for Domestic Violence and Public Safety
This case has served as a stark reminder of the intersection between domestic violence and public safety. It also highlights the importance of addressing violence in all its forms, whether within the home or in public spaces.
“Violence doesn’t just stay behind closed doors; it can spill out into our communities, affecting innocent bystanders,” said Sergeant Amanda Hall of the Portland Police Bureau.
“This case is a reminder that we need to be vigilant, not just about the violence we see but also about the warning signs that might exist in the places we live and work.”
Public Response and Community Impact
The attack on Sharp shocked the Portland community, which has seen an increasing number of random acts of violence in recent years. The incident has spurred discussions about public safety and the need for better awareness and prevention strategies for domestic violence.
In Portland, there is a growing call for better resources and support systems for domestic violence victims, as well as for greater attention to the ways that domestic violence can spill over into public life. Community members have rallied around Logan Sharp and others affected by similar incidents, offering support for victims and pushing for stronger policies to prevent violence from occurring in public spaces.
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Prevention
As Naes begins his prison sentence, attention is now focused on preventing further incidents of this nature. Many advocates for domestic violence victims are calling for more comprehensive programs that help victims escape abusive situations before they escalate into public violence. Additionally, there are calls for increased funding for mental health services to address the underlying issues that often contribute to violent behavior.
The case has also raised questions about the accessibility of potentially dangerous weapons, even those that are not firearms. Advocates for public safety argue that there needs to be greater regulation and awareness of the tools people use to harm others, regardless of whether they are conventional weapons or not.
For Logan Sharp, the physical scars of the attack will heal, but the emotional toll may take longer. He remains thankful for the quick response of the bystander who helped him, as well as the emergency services that ensured he received medical attention swiftly. He continues to process the trauma of the event and hopes that Naes’ conviction will bring about some form of closure.
A Community’s Call for Change
While the criminal justice system has taken its course in the case of Joseph Naes, the community continues to call for change. Many believe that stronger protections and support for victims of domestic violence and public safety initiatives are essential to preventing further incidents like this.
“We all have a role to play in stopping violence,” said one community member who has worked with domestic violence advocacy groups. “We need to be vigilant and proactive, ensuring that victims of abuse have the resources and support they need to break the cycle.”
