A quiet Monday night grocery run in The Dalles turned serious around 9:30 p.m. on March 9, when a 911 caller reported a shooting at the Fred Meyer on West Sixth Street. Police and other first responders arrived to find a person suffering from a gunshot wound, and medical crews rushed the victim to a hospital in serious condition. Officials said the area was quickly secured and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
According to the City of The Dalles Police Department, dispatchers relied on translation services to understand the emergency call, then sent multiple agencies to the scene, including The Dalles Police Department, Wasco County Sheriff’s deputies, Oregon State Police troopers and Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue. The department said Fred Meyer staff assisted officers on site, and detectives were brought in to take over the case. Initial information from the scene suggested the gunshot may have been self-inflicted, the department noted.
Fred Meyer lists its The Dalles store at 1215 W. Sixth Street, the city’s primary full-service grocery and pharmacy. According to Fred Meyer, the location serves shoppers from across Wasco County.
Investigation Underway
The department said officers would remain in the area to interview possible witnesses and collect evidence as detectives lead the investigation, according to the City of The Dalles Police Department. Police have not released the victim’s name or any additional identifying information while the inquiry continues. Officials also stressed that the initial findings are preliminary and that investigators will review all available evidence before drawing conclusions.
Help And Resources
Support is available for anyone affected by this incident. The national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Lines for Life operates the YouthLine and an alcohol and drug helpline; see Lines for Life for more information, including YouthLine at 877-968-8491 and the Alcohol & Drug Helpline at 1-800-923-4357.
