Man swinging machete, talking to cat, taken to hospital

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Police say a 42-year-old man described as swinging a machete in a northwest Portland street and talking to his cat has been taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Sgt. Pete Simpson said police and a behavioral health unit officer responded Wednesday morning and watched the armed man go in and out of his truck and camper while yelling and talking to the cat.

Officers approached the man after he set down the machete and gave him loudspeaker instructions about how they wanted him to approach. He was taken into custody without incident.

The cat was taken into protective custody by animal control.