Lents ‘7-Eleven gunman’ makes ‘Most Wanted’ list

Have you seen him? Turn in this suspect anonymously, and get a cash reward. Here’s an update on the August 20 murder that took place across the street from Lents Park …

Here in outer East Portland, SE 92nd Avenue is closed off north of Holgate Boulevard last summer, as Portland Police Bureau Homicide Division detectives investigate a shooting murder. East Portland News archive image

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After reportedly being “called out” for shoplifting in the Lents 7-Eleven convenience store on S.E. 92nd Avenue at Holgate Boulevard, two females got into a scuffle the evening of August 20, 2021. As the ruckus moved outside, and around the corner of the building, gunshots rang out, and a man dropped to the pavement.

Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers were dispatched at 9:46 p.m. that evening; soon thereafter, PPB Homicide Detectives were called to the scene.

-2 This man, Jonathon “Johnny” Polanco, was shot and killed in the parking lot. Family provided image

As noted in our “Week 59 Shooting Report”, the slain person, 30-year-old Jonathon “Johnny” Polanco, had nothing to do with the incident inside the store; he was just waiting for his fiancee, in the parking lot, when he was gunned down.

Officers continue the investigation into this shooting homicide. East Portland News archive image

It wasn’t long afterward when PPB detectives identified the man with the gun as then-18-year-old Leonard Lonell Edwards of Portland. “Investigators believe that Edwards knows he is wanted and is actively avoiding capture,” a PPB official stated.

Help bring Leonard Lonell Edwards to justice; contact Crime Stoppers with information. PPB provided image

Crime Stoppers of Oregon has listed Edwards as a “Most Wanted” suspect, and offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Anyone wishing to submit a secure and anonymous tip regarding this or any unsolved felony crime is asked to do so at the Crime Stoppers website: CLICK HERE.

Or, refer to Case No. 21-231670 and contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov | 503-823-1040, or Detective Joseph Corona at Joseph.Corona@portlandoregon.gov | 503-823-0508, with your information.

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