PORTLAND, OR — Two men are facing multiple charges after authorities say they carried out a beating-for-hire attack near a busy transit hub in Portland, allegedly agreeing to assault a stranger for just $20.
Alleged Assault-for-Pay Plot Unfolds
According to prosecutors, the incident happened Monday evening around 6:30 p.m. near the Rose Quarter MAX station, part of the TriMet system.
Court documents state that a man approached the suspects and offered them money to “jump” another individual he claimed had attacked him. A transit security officer reported hearing one of the suspects respond, “20 bucks is 20 bucks,” before moving toward the intended target.
Victim Attacked Near Transit Area
Investigators say the two suspects — Wyatt Markus Watterud, 25, and Robert Hill Layton, 37 — followed the victim across a nearby street and assaulted him.
The victim was reportedly struck multiple times in the face and back, suffering visible injuries including a swollen and cut eye.
After the attack, both suspects allegedly fled the scene using public transportation.
Arrests and Charges
Police later tracked down and arrested both men with the help of transit officers.
- Watterud initially attempted to escape, running under the Broadway Bridge and climbing down onto railroad tracks before being subdued with a Taser and taken into custody.
- Layton was detained separately, and officers reportedly found a loaded .40-caliber Glock handgun with an extended magazine in his backpack.
Charges Filed
Both men face several charges, including:
- Third-degree assault
- Interfering with public transportation
- Second-degree disorderly conduct
Additional charges include:
- Watterud: First-degree trespassing
- Layton: Unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a loaded weapon in a public place
Ongoing Case Details
Authorities have not filed charges against the man who allegedly offered payment for the attack or the initial person involved in the dispute.
Watterud remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center, while Layton has been released pending a court appearance scheduled for May.
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