Here’s why Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbors say this outbreak of gang-related violence in their outer East Portland neighborhood is disturbing …
Two series of gunshots – the second, thought to be in revenge for the first – rock these apartments in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Neighbors calling the 9-1-1 Center reporting gunshots – and man wounded – summoned nineteen Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct units to the area of SE Powell Boulevard near 131st Avenue at 1:18 p.m., on June 11.
“The apartments in this area aren’t so expensive, and some of the people living around here aren’t so good; in fact, they’re kind of dangerous,” remarked area resident Darius Smith, as he watched officers mark bullet casings in the parking lot with business cards and with gold “honorary officer” shield kids’ stickers.
“It hasn’t been so bad for a while; but now…I’m thinking about moving,” Smith told East Portland News.
Officers look at evidence indicating a number of shots were fired in this parking lot.
Officers fanned out in the area, looking for three suspects, and a green car.
“Officers and medical personnel located a 17-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds, and evidence of gunfire,” confirmed PPB Public Information Officer. Sgt. Chris Burley.
More officers arrive to investigate the crime scene.
“The victim was transported by ambulance to a Portland hospital [with] injuries that are life-threatening,” Burley added.
Based on information learned at the scene, the Gang Enforcement Team was called in to conduct an investigation.
Hours later, more shots ring out
Crime scene tape marks of the area where officers investigate a second shooting in the area.
Officers again rolled into the area at 9:44 p.m. that evening, responding to more reports of shots in the same area as earlier in the day.
“Officers located evidence of gunfire; witnesses reported hearing gunfire and officers located one residence that was struck by gunfire,” Burley said, adding that no gunshot victims were located in the area or had arrived at any area hospitals.
In the same area of the shooting earlier in the day, officers guard the second crime scene.
Again, the Gang Enforcement Team responded, supported by the Forensic Evidence Division.
“Nobody was injured in the second shooting, which damaged a residence occupied by a small child – and the mother of the first shooting victim,” Burley said.
The next day Sgt. Burley revealed that three juvenile men had been taken into custody in connection with the case.
“17-year-old Marcel Anthony Wilson and 17-year-old Daquantre Armstrong were arrested shortly after the first shooting and, after further investigation, booked into the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Home (JDH) on charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon,” reported Burley.
“The second shooting incident, believed to be in retaliation for the first shooting, resulted in the arrest of 17-year-old Ricky Antwan Gaters, who was also booked into JDH, and faces charges of Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. (two counts),” said Burley.
Anyone with information about this case or other gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to the Portland Police Bureau’s Tactical Operations Division at 503-823-4106 – or email information to gangs@portlandoregon.gov.
© 2017 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News