Two Portland Cops GUNNED DOWN — Shooter VANISHED

Police officer in uniform communicating with a crowd in an urban setting

Two Portland police officers responding to a routine threat call were gunned down in broad view of a residential neighborhood, and their shooter vanished into the night despite a massive manhunt involving nearly 90 officers.

Story Snapshot

Two Portland Police officers shot Monday evening while responding to threat with weapon call in Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood
Both officers hospitalized in stable condition after being struck by gunfire near Northeast 17th and Clackamas
Armed suspect described as white male in his mid-30s remains at large despite intensive search with 90+ officers
Neighborhood experienced lockdown and road closures as tactical teams deployed air support and K9 units
Investigation continues under Portland Police Homicide Unit as community safety concerns mount

Routine Call Turns Deadly in Sullivan’s Gulch

At 8:21 p.m. on Monday, January 19th, North Precinct officers responded to Northeast 21st Avenue and Clackamas Street following reports of a threat with a weapon. The officers located their suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street between 16th and 17th Avenues, where the individual immediately opened fire. Both officers were struck and transported to local hospitals, where they remain in stable condition.

The brazen attack occurred in the heart of the Lloyd District, a mixed residential and commercial area near the popular Lloyd Center mall. Residents found themselves suddenly trapped in their homes as police established a perimeter and launched an intensive manhunt that would consume nearly every available resource in the department.

Massive Response Yields Empty Results

Portland Police deployed an overwhelming force in response to the shooting. Tactical teams, crisis negotiation units, air support, unmanned aircraft systems, and K9 units flooded the Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood. The search operation involved nearly 90 police units, representing one of the largest deployments in recent department history.

Despite this massive allocation of resources and technology, the suspect successfully evaded capture. The initial search effort near Lloyd Center concluded early Tuesday morning without locating the armed individual. Police reopened streets that had been closed during the operation, but the investigation remains active with detectives following leads.

Armed and Dangerous Profile Emerges

Portland Police released detailed surveillance images and a comprehensive description of the suspect. The individual is described as a white male in his mid-30s with facial hair, wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. Most concerning, he was armed with both a knife and handgun while carrying a black backpack and green shopping bag.

The Portland Police Homicide Unit has assumed leadership of the investigation, designating it case number 26-18537. This assignment signals the serious nature of the charges the suspect will face and the department’s commitment to bringing him to justice. The combination of weapons and the suspect’s demonstrated willingness to fire on law enforcement makes him extremely dangerous to the public.

Leadership Addresses Growing Concerns

Mayor Keith Wilson characterized the incident as “a stark reminder of the dangers of the job” while expressing gratitude for the officers’ service to the community. His statements emphasized both support for the wounded officers and reassurance to residents concerned about public safety. Chief Bob Day responded directly to the scene and referenced heightened community emotions following recent national incidents involving police.

The incident exposes the unpredictable dangers officers face during seemingly routine calls. A standard threat report escalated into a life-threatening situation within moments, highlighting the split-second decisions and constant vigilance required in modern law enforcement. The fact that both officers survived speaks to their training and the rapid medical response, but their hospitalization removes experienced personnel from an already stretched department.