Learn what investigators reported after a pre-dawn shooting shut down SE 122nd Avenue for hours in Hazelwood …
SE 122nd Avenue remained closed in the early-morning hours near SE Pine Street as Portland Police vehicles blocked the scene of the fatal shooting in Hazelwood. (Photo courtesy KOIN 6 News)
By David F. Ashton
Portland Police responded to a shots-fired call in outer East Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood early Monday, June 2, 2026 – and discovered a man on the ground at SE 122nd Avenue and Pine Street at 4:07 a.m.
According to a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) official, an officer came across an a man lying in the roadway; medical personnel attempted to provide aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene – from what appeared to be a gunshot wound.
Detectives from the PPB’s Homicide Unit responded, and opened a homicide investigation.
Near SE Ash Street, 122nd Avenue is closed and filled with Portland Police vehicles as homicide detectives processed the Hazelwood shooting scene. (Photo courtesy KGW-TV 8 News)
As a result, SE 122nd Avenue was closed between East Burnside Street and Ash Street right through the mid-morning hours, while detectives documented the scene and collected evidence.
In an update the following morning at 8:54 a.m., PPB identified the victim as 43-year-old Victor H. Leon of Portland. The Medical Examiner confirmed that Leon died of homicide by gunshot wound.
With thoroughfare closed, the Portland Police Bureau’s Mobile Command Unit is parked, serving as an on-scene office for Homicide Division detectives. (Photo courtesy KOIN 6 News)
The investigation remained active as detectives continued to probe what led up to the shooting and who might be responsible.
Portland Police asked that anyone with information on this crime, who had not yet spoken with investigators, to please contact the PPB Homicide Unit. Tips may be emailed to homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, making reference to Case No. PP26-159439.
Cover photo courtesy KATU 2 News
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
