An early morning shooting on Wednesday led to one person being injured and an officer with the Portland Police Bureau being struck by a stray bullet. According to Portland Police reports, the incident occurred around 12:35 a.m. near East Burnside Street and Southeast Grand Avenue. Officers were attending to an unrelated call when the shooting unfolded, involving individuals in moving vehicles.
Despite seeking cover, an officer was struck in the heel by gunfire, and with the digressions of chaos unfolding around, that bullet did not penetrate his boot, but rather lodged itself within. The officer in question was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment of what was described as a minor injury. Around the same time, a gunshot victim arrived at a hospital by private vehicle. Police later confirmed the victim's involvement in the incident and expected the individual to survive.
The Portland Police Bureau's Enhanced Community Safety Team (ECST) was dispatched to the scene to spearhead the investigation into the shooting, though no arrests had been made as of the last update. The specifics of what prompted the violence have not been elucidated.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day reacted to the events, stating, "I am beyond relieved to learn that both the community member and officer will be okay," as noted by the police's news release. He further professed the incident was a stark reminder of the necessity to adopt a "holistic approach in addressing gun violence in our city." While what transpired in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the sentiment that the community can bounce back only through united efforts remains resolute.
