Photo: KATU
A Portland Police officer shot and killed a man who was armed with a knife and threatening a female hostage.
On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at 9:11 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to the area near the Del Rancho Motel, located at 7622 Southeast 82nd Avenue, on the report of two people fighting.
When officers arrived they learned one of the suspects reportedly involved in the fight was armed with a knife and had attempted to stab another person. As officers investigated the incident, they determined a person matching the suspect's description entered a room at the Del Rancho Motel.
Officers responded to the Del Rancho Motel and learned the suspect was in a room at the motel holding a woman hostage. As officers attempted to contact the suspect, the suspect threatened the life of the woman that was inside the motel room.
Members of the Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to assist with the incident. At some point during the incident, an officer fired a shot, striking and killing the suspect.
Portland Police Homicide Detectives, assisted by the East County Major Crimes Team and Multnomah County District Attorney's Office are investigating.
"No police officer wants to use lethal force, and it is with great responsibility that we accept this authority," said Chief Danielle Outlaw. "That is why we have a robust investigative and review process to ensure responsible transparency. We know the community wants to understand what occurred and we will release information as soon as appropriate. However, we ask for patience as these investigations take time and we need to ensure we protect the integrity of the investigation."
The identity of the deceased suspect and any involved Bureau member will be released at a later time. Per Bureau policy, the involved officer(s) will remain on paid administrative leave until the completion of the investigation and Grand Jury.
Following the Grand Jury, the Bureau may release additional information as appropriate. The officers will be interviewed by investigators within 48 hours.
As part of the use of force review process, the Bureau will conduct an internal review of the entire incident and the case will go before the Police Review Board, which is comprised of community members, Bureau members and representatives from the Independent Police Review Division.