A lawyer who was pepper-sprayed Sunday by Democratic Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler publicly apologized for his conduct surrounding the confrontation, The Seattle Times reported Thursday.
Cary Cadonau, 48, of Portland, Oregon, approached Wheeler and a colleague unmasked after the pair were seen leaving a restaurant and began video-taping the encounter, according to police, The Seattle Times reported.
The mayor had been dining with Sam Adams – a former Portland mayor who served from 2009 to 2013 – and was on his way to his car as Cadonau approached him and began accusing Wheeler of dining without wearing a mask, the report added.
Wheeler became concerned for his safety and developing COVID-19 after the man got close to his face while filming him with his phone, shared The Seattle Times. (RELATED: ‘Concerned For My Personal Safety’: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Blasts Man In The Face With Pepper Spray)
The mayor warned Cadonau to “back off” and that he was carrying pepper spray, according to the report.
When Cadonau failed to heed Wheeler’s warning, Wheeler pepper-sprayed the lawyer in the eyes, according to The Seattle Times.
“I am remorseful for my decision to confront Mayor Wheeler on Sunday, Jan. 24, and I am sorry that he felt the need to use pepper spray. I cherish Portland and our local community and recognize that Mayor Wheeler has a very difficult job,” Cadonau said in his Wednesday apology letter to the mayor.
In a statement, Cary Cadonau said he was “remorseful” for confrontation with mayor
His representative had originally said he intended to disclose everything including the video. But after reviewing it herself today, she said “it’s not in the best interest of either gentleman” pic.twitter.com/daStohadsq
— Rebecca Ellis (@Rjaellis) January 28, 2021
He also specifically apologized to his fellow lawyers at the Portland law firm where he works for his actions, KGW8 News reported.
Cadonau has contacted the mayor’s office requesting an opportunity to rectify the matter, according to KGW8.