The driver of a white Toyota Camry sped up to a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters at Portland State University on Thursday and doused them with what appears to be pepper spray, according to reports.
The crowd surrounded the car, broke some of its windows and painted graffiti, including "Free Gaza" on it, KPTV reported.
Police later took the man into custody and placed him on a mental health hold, the Associated Press reported. He was not identified.
People in the group screamed as the car accelerated toward them, the wire service reported, but the car braked, stopping just short of the gathering.
The demonstrators began pounding on the car as the driver ran off, with some protesters giving chase.
Police found the man later.
The incident with the car happened hours after Portland police dispersed protesters from a library at Portland State University, arresting 30 people.
Police said they entered the library early Thursday morning after warning people to exit the building. Officials said they then began a "deliberate, methodical, and safety-focused clearing of the building."
Police did not release the identities of those arrested.Seven officers were injured.
