UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting of PPB Officers Identified

Press Release

View full size image of photo of attempted murder suspect in handcuffs next to ppb badge

The Portland Police Bureau is identifying the individual arrested in connection to the shooting of two PPB officers.

The suspect arrested in connection to the shooting of two Portland Police officers on January 19 has been identified as Eric F. Oelkers, 41, of Portland. Following the arrest by PPB's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), in collaboration with the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and others, Oelkers was lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center on the following charges: Attempted Murder in the First Degree (two counts), Attempted Assault in the First Degree (two counts), and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (two counts). In addition, a firearm was seized during a search of the area where Oelkers was taken into custody.

Eric F. Oelkers in custody Firearm seized following Oelkers' arrest

On Monday, the second of the two injured officers was released from the hospital. As previously shared, the first officer was released the day after the shooting.

PPB would like to thank the following partners for assistance with this case: U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, FBI, Oregon State Police, East Metro SWAT, and Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.

PPB would also like to acknowledge deep gratitude to the many bureau members, both sworn and professional staff, whose tireless work over the past week resulted in the suspect's apprehension. Their long hours, professionalism, and unwavering dedication reflect a profound commitment to this community and to one another.

Chief Day and others addressed the latest developments in the case at a news conference Monday afternoon.

This case remains open and ongoing. Anyone with information, who has not talked with police, is asked to contact [email protected] or 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537.

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UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting of PPB Officers Arrested

On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the suspect in the shooting of two Portland Police officers on January 19 was arrested during a tactical operation in the 6400 block of Northeast 82^nd Avenue. The individual was taken into custody without incident and transported to Central Precinct to be questioned by detectives.

PPB would like to thank the U.S. Marshals and other federal, state, and local partners for assistance with this case.

Additional details, including the suspect's identity, will be released in the coming hours.

###PPB###

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UPDATE: PPB Releasing Additional Photos of Shooting Suspect

The Portland Police Bureau is releasing additional photographs of the suspect who shot two PPB officers. The purpose of releasing these images is to assist the public in identifying the suspect and determining his current whereabouts.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30s with facial hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. He was also seen carrying a black backpack and a green shopping bag. The suspect could be armed with a knife and a handgun and therefore he should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone who has information regarding the identity of this suspect or knows where he is currently located is urged to call 911 immediately. If you have non-critical information, contact [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537.

Additionally, tips may be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime. Tipsters must remain anonymous to be eligible for a reward.

Secure and anonymous tips can be submitted at https://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, or by downloading the P3 Tips app from the App Store or Google Play.

###PPB###

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UPDATE: One Officer Released from Hospital, PPB Seeks Video to Assist in Investigation

While the search for the individual who shot two officers continues, the Portland Police Bureau is grateful to share that one of the officers shot Monday night has been released from the hospital. He is a seven-year veteran of PPB and assigned to North Precinct. The second officer, a 17-year veteran of PPB assigned to North Precinct, remains hospitalized in stable condition.

On Tuesday afternoon, PPB Deputy Chief Chris Gjovik and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez provided an update on the case. You can watch here.

In addition, detectives believe that some private security cameras and doorbell cameras may have captured critical video that may help identify the suspect in the shooting of the two PPB officers.

Detectives are focused on the area encompassing Northeast 15^th Avenue to Northeast 19^th Avenue and Northeast Broadway to Northeast Multnomah Street. They are asking that community members who live and work in that area upload all video that is saved on their systems from 7:00 p.m. on January 19 to 7:00 a.m. on January 20.

Community members are not required to review the video, look for anything specific, or verify that it captured any activity. If they wish to help, they should just upload the raw footage from each individual camera. Please do not edit, enhance, combine into "multiview," or otherwise alter the footage. Please ensure the footage is in a standard file format and does not require a proprietary player. Detectives will review the video for potential clues.

QR code to upload video

PPB has created a link where community members can upload video directly to the Detective Division. If anyone has cameras, such as Ring cameras or other doorbell cameras, or surveillance cameras that show the street, sidewalk, or other public areas, please upload the raw footage to this website. PPB has also generated a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone and will bring up the upload website.

There is no need to follow-up with PPB. A Detective may contact you at a later time if they have any questions. Please do not upload video from any other case. This link is reserved for this case only.

If anyone has information about this case, please contact detectives at [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537.

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UPDATE: Initial Search for Shooting Suspect Concludes, Suspect Not Located

The initial search for the individual who shot two PPB officers in the Sullivan's Gulch Neighborhood has concluded. The suspect was not located. However, this remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather information and follow leads. Additional details will be released when appropriate.

PPB would like to thank community members for their patience and cooperation during this event.

If anyone has information about this case, please contact detectives at [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537.

###PPB###

***Original Messages Below***

UPDATE: Two PPB Officers Shot, Injured in Sullivan's Gulch Neighborhood, Search Continuing

On Monday, January 19, 2026 at 8:21 p.m., Portland Police Officers assigned to North Precinct responded to the area of Northeast 21^st Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street to a report of a threat with weapon call. Officers arrived and located the suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street between Northeast 16^th Avenue and Northeast 17^th Avenue.

The suspect fired shots at the officers, striking two of them. The officers were transported to the hospital by ambulance, treated, and their conditions are stable.

The suspect ran off and numerous officers set up a perimeter around the area in an effort to contain the suspect.

The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), the Air Support Unit, the PPB Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit, K9, and others responded to the scene to assist with the search.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30's, facial hair, black baseball cap, black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. He is believed to be armed with a knife and a handgun (photo). He also was seen with a black backpack and a green shopping bag. If anyone has information on the identity of this suspect or knows where he is now, please call 911. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

The Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is leading the investigation. If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detectives at [email protected] or call 503-823-0479 and please reference case number 26-18537.

Mayor Keith Wilson and Chief Bob Day responded to the scene.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

Tactical Teams Activated Searching for Suspect Who Shot at Police in Sullivan's Gulch Neighborhood

The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) is being activated to search for a suspect who fired shots at Portland Police officers in the area of Northeast 17^th Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street. Two officers have been transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Numerous roads are closed between Northeast Broadway and Northeast Multnomah Street, Northeast 15^th Avenue and Northeast 21^st Avenue.

SERT and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are enroute for the block search for the suspect. No vehicular or pedestrian traffic is being allowed within the perimeter, and people within are asked to stay inside with doors and windows closed and locked.

If anyone has information about the location of the suspect or sees anything suspicious within the perimeter, please call 911.

A Public Information Officer is enroute to the scene. A staging location for media will be established.

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