Full Breakdown
Shooting in Southeast Portland Kills Murder Suspect and Police Dog
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Details
Police responded to a welfare check early Thursday morning on Southeast Market Street after a body was found inside a home. Detectives later identified a man wanted in Gresham for murder. By midday the suspect was spotted near Southeast Pine Street and Southeast 99th Avenue. The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, together with Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers, attempted to arrest him near the Chestnut Tree Inn at Southeast 97th Avenue and Southeast Oak Street. The suspect fled, prompting an officer-involved shooting around 1:45 p.m. He was struck by gunfire and died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. A police dog, “Kylo,” who had been on duty for six years and was scheduled to retire after that shift, was also hit by gunfire, rushed to a veterinary clinic, and later died. A nearby guest reported hearing 20–30 shots, and a witness described the gunfire as “so close” that he and his wife ducked for safety.
Official Statements & Responses
Portland Police Chief Bob Day clarified that the U.S. Marshal presence was part of a federal effort to combat violent crime, not an immigration-related operation. He emphasized the department’s reliance on federal partners to address violent crime in the city. The PPB Homicide Unit is leading the shooting investigation, while the Gresham Police Department and East County Major Crimes Team are handling the homicide investigation in Gresham. Both agencies have asked anyone with information to contact them, providing a homicide-tips email address and a phone number. Police indicated there is no ongoing danger to the community.
Verbatim Quote
“I wasn’t sure if we were gonna live or not because we didn’t know if they were coming our direction or where it was. It just felt so close. The only thing we knew what to do was to duck at the time,” — Ryan Kowal
Investigation and Public Safety
The PPB homicide investigation is ongoing, with case number 26-279642 assigned. The Gresham victim’s name and the suspect’s identity have not been released. Authorities continue to collect evidence, and the Oregon Humane Society’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center received Kylo’s body for examination. Community members are urged to report any further information to assist the investigations.