A quiet northeast Vancouver neighborhood turned tense Saturday morning after gunfire struck several homes and, investigators say, a man tried to set one of the houses on fire. No one was hurt, but bullets hit multiple residences and deputies collected spent shell casings from the scene. Neighbors flooded 911 with calls, and early evidence pointed to an attempted arson using lighter fluid and a lighter.
What deputies say
According to the Clark County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched a little after 10:33 a.m. Saturday to the 1800 block of NE 156th Street after multiple callers reported shots fired. When they arrived, deputies found numerous spent shell casings in a backyard and saw that several nearby homes had been hit by gunfire.
Deputies say the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Cyree Phillips, came out of a side gate with a handgun clearly visible, followed their commands, put the weapon down and surrendered without incident.
Charges and booking
As reported by KATU, Phillips was booked into the Clark County Jail on allegations that include attempted burglary, first-degree arson, reckless endangerment, malicious mischief and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Investigators have not publicly discussed a possible motive.
Authorities noted that conflicting witness accounts initially left it unclear whether anyone else might have been involved. The sheriff's release included a photo of a handgun seized at the scene as evidence.
Scene and neighbors
Per the Clark County Sheriff's Office, victims told deputies that Phillips tried to force his way into one residence, but the homeowner, who did not know him, managed to lock the door and keep him out. NE Union Road was briefly shut down while deputies searched the area to make sure there were no additional suspects.
Investigators say preliminary evidence indicates there was an attempt to ignite a home using lighter fluid and a lighter. The case remains active, and deputies are asking anyone with additional information to contact the sheriff's office.
Legal notes
Court filings and arraignment details were not immediately available. The Clark County Jail roster and county court records are expected to reflect any formal charges as they are filed. The sheriff's office has released the initial information, and investigators say their work on the case is ongoing.
