At approximately 1:10 a.m., SERT officers located a person believed to be the suspect in the backyard of a home, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This incident began at 11:20 p.m., when an officer assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Task Force and a Sergeant assigned to the Gang Enforcement Team (riding together) stopped in the parking lot of Shimmers Bar & Grill, located at 8000 Southeast Foster Road.
Several subjects immediately left the parking lot and went inside the bar but shortly after, one subject exited the bar and the officer and sergeant attempted to contact him. The suspect fled on foot and during the foot chase, fired at the officer. Neither the officer or sergeant was injured and they did not return fire.
A large neighborhood perimeter was established, using all available officers citywide, and SERT/CNT was called to respond. The Portland Police Bureau Air Support Unit, “Air 1”, also responded to the sky above the neighborhood.
Officers maintaining perimeter positions heard noises and saw a person matching the suspect’s description near Southeast 79th Avenue and Raymond Street and relayed that information to SERT, CNT and Air 1.
Air 1, observing from above using FLIR, spotted a person lying in the backyard of a home in the 7900 block of Southeast Raymond Street.
Crisis Negotiators attempted communication with the subject using a loud hail device, but did not receive any response. SERT then deployued two less lethal rounds at a fence near the subject to gain a response. Between the first and second less lethal rounds, officers heard what they believed was a muzzled gunshot. Air 1 relayed that they could see a flash consistent with a gunshot near the subject. SERT then deployed a flashbang near the subject but he did not respond so officers and a K-9 Unit made an approach to the subject and observed injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Medical personnel were called up immediately to check the subject and they determined that he was deceased. A handgun was located at the scene.
Homicide detectives will be conducting the investigation, with the assistance of the Gang Enforcement Team.
Officers will remain in the are as evidence is collected but there no longer appears to be any risk to the community.
No additional updates are anticipated until Wednesday afternoon at the earliest.
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The Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are responding to Southeast 82nd Avenue and Foster Road to assist East Precinct and Gang Enforcement Team officers after an unknown suspect fired multiple shots at police.
No officers or community members have been injured. The suspect fled the area on foot, last seen northbound on 79th Avenue from Foster Road. The suspect is described as an African American male in all dark clothing.
There is a large neighborhood perimeter involving dozens of police officers to allow for SERT officers to conduct a neighborhood search.
Area residents are asked to remain indoors and to call 9-1-1 on any suspicious activity between Holgate and Woodstock Boulevards, 82nd to 76th Avenues.
No additional information is available at this time and updates will be provided when they become available.
