On the evening of January 19, 2026, Portland police responded to a weapon-related threat in the Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood. Officers quickly arrived at Northeast 21st Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street.
Upon arrival, they encountered a suspect who opened fire, injuring two officers. Thankfully, both were taken to a hospital, and their condition is stable. After the shooting, the suspect fled, prompting a swift response from multiple police units.
The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), alongside the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), launched an extensive search. Drones and K9 units joined the effort to locate the suspect, who was described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30s. He wore a black baseball cap, a black jacket over a gray sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. He might also be armed with a knife and a handgun and was seen carrying a black backpack and a green shopping bag.
Residents in the area received warnings to stay indoors, lock their doors, and avoid the vicinity as roads were closed off. The police sought community assistance, asking anyone with information to call 911.
Portland Police have taken the lead on the investigation and are actively working to identify and locate the shooter. Mayor Keith Wilson and Chief Bob Day arrived at the scene to oversee the situation.
In similar incidents, gun violence involving police has been a growing concern. A report from the Pew Research Center noted that over the past decade, the number of fatal encounters between law enforcement and suspects has risen, prompting calls for improved community policing strategies. As events like these unfold, the importance of public safety and community cooperation remains paramount.
For those interested in more statistics about police interactions, check out the Pew Research Center’s findings.
Stay safe and informed.
