Full Breakdown
Portland Business Owner Sued for $10 Million After Shooting Homeless Intruder
8/15/2026, 11:44:19 PM
Incident Overview
On March 6 2023, Kenneth Voyles, who was experiencing homelessness, entered Touchstone Granite & Marble Inc.’s closed facility on Northeast Columbia Boulevard in Portland through a damaged garage-bay door seeking warmth and food. While inside, Voyles took a drill bag and later apologized when the owner, James Grant, confronted him. According to the lawsuit, Grant responded by throwing a coffee mug and heavy tiles, after which Voyles fled toward the garage door, grabbed bolt cutters, and attempted to open a locked door. Grant allegedly retrieved a handgun, shot Voyles multiple times without warning, told him “you’re going to die,” and fired again as Voyles tried to squeeze through the broken door. Voyles survived but sustained penetrating chest wounds, a collapsed lung, and shattered bones in his right arm that required vascular repair and multiple surgeries.
Legal Claim Details
Voyles filed a civil suit in Multnomah County on May 6 2026 seeking $5 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. The complaint alleges battery, assault, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress by both Grant personally and Touchstone Granite & Marble Inc. vicariously, asserting that Grant was acting within the scope of his duties to secure the business and that the company failed to implement reasonable after-hours security policies or training.
Parties Involved
- Kenneth Voyles – Homeless plaintiff, alleges he was shot after a break-in.
- James Grant – Owner of Touchstone Granite & Marble Inc., claims he acted in self-defense after Voyles became aggressive.
- Touchstone Granite & Marble Inc. – Portland granite and marble retailer, named as a defendant for alleged vicarious liability.
Official Statements & Responses
In a March interview, Grant said he found Voyles in his upstairs office, followed him to the back of the warehouse, and perceived an imminent attack when Voyles brandished bolt cutters, stating that his life was in danger. Defense representatives for Touchstone have not responded to requests for comment.
