Bullets rip into child’s Hazelwood bedroom

Here’s why both neighbors and police are concerned about this outer East Portland shooting …

At this apartment complex in the Hazelwood neighborhood, which was opened by Central City Concern in 2018, bullets ripped through car windows and penetrated apartment walls – and into a kid’s bedroom.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Gunshots rang out at the affording housing complex called Hazel Heights, at 12621 SE Stark Street, on November 8 – dispatching Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers to the area at 8:16 p.m.

The responding PPB East Precinct officers reported finding “evidence of gunfire”, including bullet strikes to a vehicle and apartments, according to a PPB official.

Police investigate the shooting spree at a Hazlewood apartment complex. PPB provided image

“There are no known victims, and the suspect or suspects fled the scene before officers arrived,” the spokesperson said. But, there is still great concern over this incident.

The Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team responded and assisted in the investigation which indicated that, although apparently a car was targeted, several of the bullets fired went into two occupied apartments behind the vehicle.

Investigators said that this vehicle, or someone standing near it, was the apparent target of the shooting spree. PPB provided image

“In one of the apartment units, the bullets impacted a child’s bed! But no children were in the room at the time, and thankfully, no one was injured,” the police official said.

“I’m just grateful that me and my kids weren’t home when they were shooting,” said a woman, who asked not to be identified. “We’re moving across the complex now!”

This is one of several bullet holes found in the walls of the Hazlewood apartment complex.

Because he fears for the safety of his kids, Hazel Heights resident Tyler Manley told East Portland News, “There’s been several fights and shootings here; but most of the time, the police aren’t even called.

“We need to move, definitely, because it’s too dangerous around here,” Manley said.

PPB Detectives requested help identifying the suspects in this shooting. If anyone has information on this crime, contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at 503-823-1040 Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov or Detective Ryan Foote 503-823-0781 Ryan.Foote@portlandoregon.gov.

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