An altercation in Gresham turned fatal when a suspect alleged to have been armed was shot and killed by local law enforcement. Last Friday, around 7:30 pm, Gresham police, with support from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, responded to calls of a physical dispute on NE 162nd Avenue, near NE Glisan Street, as reported by the City of Gresham's official website. An individual reportedly possessing a weapon was said to be involved in the incident, leading officers to seek an arrest based on assault charges and additional crimes.
When authorities attempted to approach, the suspect reportedly chose to quickly flee on foot, prompting a search operation within the vicinity. It was during this search that a sheriff's deputy encountered the suspect in a residential area nearby, resulting in what has been described as an officer-involved shooting. A Gresham police officer also deployed a 40mm less-lethal projectile during the engagement, which was detailed in a statement obtained by the City of Gresham's news release. Despite officers rendering emergency medical assistance on the scene and rapid transport to a local hospital, the suspect was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The incident saw the recovery of a handgun near where the suspect collapsed, providing tangible evidence amidst the aftermath of the confrontation. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed to the public. Consistent with procedures followed in critical incidents involving law enforcement, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave. Ongoing investigations into officer-involved incidents typically enforce such measures.
Currently overseeing the inquiry is the East County Major Crimes Team, a coalition of detectives from various agencies including the Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department.
