SUSPECT CAPTURED! | Week #204 Shooting Report | INCLUDES INVESTIGATION VIDEO | UPDATED | Shooting violence continues in outer East Portland, as one victim was murdered by an unknown assailant; the other shot at police and was killed by return fire …
In the rain, Portland Police Homicide Detectives gather evidence after a deadly shooting in the Wilkes neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After a week of relative quiescence, other than numerous “Shots Fired” calls to which Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers dutifully responded – deadly violence by criminals with guns resumed this week.
May 4
Mystery surrounds deadly shooting in Wilkes
In the street of this usually-quiet neighborhood, PPB Homicide Unit detectives continue an investigation into a shooting murder.
Neighbors in the Wilkes neighborhood, coming out of their homes early on Saturday, May 4 looked puzzled to see NE Beech Street closed off from 156th to 158th Avenues – and filled with PPB vehicles, officers, detectives, and investigators out walking in a pelting rainstorm.
“I thought I’d heard several ‘bangs’, like firecrackers going off, but didn’t think much of it,” a neighbor remarked to East Portland News through a rolled-down car window as he was waved out of the area by an officer.
Something catches the attention of detectives and investigators at this shooting crime scene.
Those “bangs” were what dispatched PPB North Precinct officers to the scene at precisely 5:00 a.m.
“When officers arrived, they found a victim in the street,” a PPB official told reporters. “Paramedics responded, and determined the man was dead.”
This video shows what it was like for officers, detectives, and investigators as they documented the crime scene in the rain:
PPB Homicide Unit detectives and Forensics Unit investigators focused their attention on the north side of the block, between the sidewalk and street, in front an individually-owned rowhouse at 15703 NE Beech Street, and a driveway that runs north to the Riverview Condominium complex.
It wasn’t until late morning that Coroner’s Office workers wheeled a gurney over to the area of investigation to remove the deceased.
Another neighbor drove up to the perimeter and asked, “What’s going on here? I’m just getting off work and trying to get home.”. After we explained, she observed, “We moved here because this is usually the ‘quiet’ part of town!”
Into the morning, this criminal investigation continues.
The suspect or suspects left the scene before police were called, PPB officials said. Officers searched the area, but no immediate arrests were made.
UPDATE
This man, Ozell Shepherd, was later identified as the shooting homicide victim in this case. Family provided photo
On May 13, officials revealed the man killed in this shooting murder had been identified as 34-year-old Ozell Shepherd, Gresham. The Medical Examiner determined Shepherd died of homicide by gunshot wound.
Suspect arrested
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Unit, with assistance from U.S. Marshals, arrested 23-year-old Alex M. Brown-Golden. He was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charges: Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (firearm).
If you have information about this case, please contact Detective Ryan Foote at ryan.foote@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0781 or Detective Travis Law at travis.law@police.portlandoregon.gov (503) 823-0395 and please reference Case No. 24-109829.
May 6
Wanted suspect shoots at officers in Hazelwood – and was killed by return gunfire
Looking south across East Burnside Street, the TriMet MAX Light Rail line, between trains, brackets the scene of this shooting.
This late-afternoon incident actually started earlier on Monday, May 6, at 9:05 a.m., about one and a half miles away from where it ended. Officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at a coin and antiques store on NE 111th Avenue, between Halsey and Weidler Streets.
“By the time officers arrived, the suspects had fled,” PPB Public Information Officer Sergeant Kevin Allen later told reporters. “By their investigation, Detectives from the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crimes Unit determined that persons of interest might be at a home in the 100 block of SE 124th Avenue.”
Investigation leads to search warrant
Preparing to serve a search warrant on that residence on SE 124th Avenue, about a block south of East Burnside Street about 5:15 p.m. that afternoon, the PPB’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) approached the house.
“This warrant was connected to a Major Crimes Unit Investigation,” said Sergeant Allen. “At 6:34 p.m., during the service of the search warrant, an adult male fired at officers; and officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
This is the gun that the suspect allegedly used to shoot at police officers. PPB photo
A SERT medic was just outside and immediately started lifesaving measures, but at 6:38 p.m., the suspect was pronounced dead. “A firearm was located near the suspect,” Sergeant Allen commented.
“No officers were injured in this incident; now all four officers directly involved will be placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard protocol following an officer-involved shooting.”
After the SERT vehicles have moved out, the scene is locked down, as the investigation gets underway.
Per PPB directives, Detectives from the Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene to investigate.
Along the dark street, about two blocks away, the investigation into the shooting continues.
A female and a male were detained at the scene. Arrested were 21-year-old Paige Elizabeth Smouse of Portland, who was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on May 7 at 4:15 a.m. on three Felony charges: Robbery in the First Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree, and Hindering Prosecution.
However, Smouse was promptly released from the MCDC, w3ith no bail required. Release Reason: Close Street Supervision.
22-year-old Mr. Kristian Michael Nelson-Trout of Portland was lodged in MCDC on May 7 at 3:48 a.m. on one count of Parole Violation. Nelson-Trout was also released from custody on May 8. Release Reason: Released to Umatilla County Jail.
PPB Chief Bob Day responds to the scene, and speaks with reporters.
“I’m grateful that our officers are going home safe tonight,” said PPB Chief Day while speaking with media on scene. “These incidents highlight the risks our folks take every day.”
On May 9 officials revealed that the man who died after firing shots at officers had been identified as 45-year-old Richard Shawn Perez.
As Detectives do with any armed robbery, they will look at the possibility that the armed robbery on Monday morning is connected to other armed robberies or crimes in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Rachel Baer at rachel.baer@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference Case No. 24-111542.
Additionally, the investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains open and active. If you have information about the case, and have not yet spoken with detectives, contact Detective William Winters at william.winters@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0466 or Detective Stephen Gandy at stephen.gandy@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0449 and reference Case No. 24-111902.
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And so ends the 204th East Portland News “Weekly Shooting Reports”. To review precisely when, why, and how our weekly “Shooting Report” articles began and still continue, CLICK HERE.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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