Two wounded in late-night Lents shooting

See what we’ve learned about a violent act that brought members of the police Gang Enforcement Team to the New Copper Penny …

Police rush to this establishment where they say the found two wounded men – and no one willing to talk.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Gunshots rang out, and two men dropped, near Lents Town Center – at about 2:00 a.m., early on Sunday morning, February 12.

When Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers rolled up, they found a parking lot full of people outside the New Copper Penny Restaurant and Nightclub – and two wounded men.

“The officers found 24-year-old Elijah Thomas and 24-year-old Deandra Harris suffering from gunshot wounds,” PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Peter Simpson told East Portland News. “Both were taken to nearby hospitals, where Harris was last reported in critical condition, and Thomas was listed in serious condition.”

The Bureau’s Gang Enforcement Team was called in to investigate.

“Detectives know that several people may have witnessed the shooting, but did not talk to officers at the scene,” Simpson added. “There is no suspect information at this time.”

Bullet casings in the parking lot give silent witness to the shooting in the parking lot of this restaurant.

Although no one at the scene stepped forward – the large number of empty bullet casings left behind in the parking lot made it clear that violence had again visited outer East Portland.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Det. Brian Sims at (503) 823-2079, or Brian.Sims@PortlandOregon.gov.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case – or in any unsolved felony – and you can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at their website: [CLICK HERE], text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip – or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.

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