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On April 23, 2023, officers and detectives from the Portland Police Bureau responded to a shooting at a business in Southeast Portland in the 5200 block of Foster Rd. Officers arrived finding a victim who had been shot and killed at the business.
As the investigation proceeded, investigators developed a physical description of the suspect and his vehicle. That information was provided to patrol officers throughout Portland to locate and apprehend the suspect.
On April 24, 2023, at around 10:40 p.m., officers from the Portland Police Bureau spotted a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle seen fleeing the scene of the prior day’s murder on SE Foster.
Officers attempted to stop the car in the area of SE 82nd Ave and SE Holgate. The suspect fled South on SE 82nd Ave and entered into Clackamas County minutes later. Officers and deputies used “spike strips” to assist in disabling the suspect’s vehicle, but the suspect continued Southbound approaching a road construction site at SE 82nd Ave and SE Monterey. A PIT maneuver was attempted, and the vehicle was stopped as the suspect attempted a U-turn to go back north on SE 82nd.
The suspect then drew a handgun and fired at police from his car. Two Portland Police Officers returned fire as did a Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy. The suspect was struck by gunfire and died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by police. Due to the speed at which the event unfolded the opportunity for de-escalation and less than lethal options did not present itself.
The officers and deputy involved have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues and will remain on leave until the incident is presented to a Clackamas County Grand Jury as is standard practice. The names of the involved law enforcement officers from the Portland Police Bureau with be released on May 9 in keeping with PPB policy. Information on the policy can be found online.
The name of the involved Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy will be released on April 27, 2023 per the Clackamas County Officer Involved Critical Incident Agreement. Information on the Clackamas County Officer Involved Critical Incident Agreement can be found online.
The suspect in the homicide from Portland and who died at the Clackamas shooting scene is identified as:
- Jack Watson – 20 years old, white male – of Portland, Oregon.
This investigation remains on going and is being led by the Clackamas Interagency Major Crimes Team and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office.
No further information will be released until after the conclusion of a grand jury hearing.