UPDATE: Man Deceased in the Kenton Neighborhood Identified

The man who died on June 27 in the Kenton neighborhood is identified as Damon Lamarr Johnson, 52, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

We understand the public's desire for information and it is important to us that we share what we can as quickly as possible, while being mindful of the balance between transparency and the need for a complete and careful investigation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, the Portland Police Bureau will be releasing body-worn camera footage within 14 days of the incident, including a summary and timeline of events. More details will come as the investigation continues. It is important to remember that this is still an active case, and there are legal processes, including a thorough review by the District Attorney, that must be followed to ensure fairness to everyone involved.

Our role is to respond when there are potential threats to life safety. We are committed to upholding the civil rights of all individuals and protecting human life and property. This commitment includes ensuring the welfare of members of the public, with an emphasis on the sanctity of life and policing with respect.

If anyone has information about this incident and has not already spoken to police, please contact Detective Samantha Cater at Samantha.Cater@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective Brent Christensen at Brent.Christensen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2087. Please reference case number 25-170804.

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***Original Message Below***

In Custody Death Investigation Underway in the Kenton Neighborhood

The death of a man who was in police custody is under investigation in the Kenton Neighborhood. On Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:03 p.m., Portland Police officers from North Precinct responded to the 8500 block of North Argyle Way on a call to check the welfare of a man who was reportedly acting in a concerning manner, flooding his apartment with water, and hanging knives out of his apartment window. As officers were enroute, they requested that paramedics in an ambulance stage nearby. Shortly after arriving, officers requested EMS to come in and reported that they were initiating CPR. The man was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Despite lifesaving measures, the man died at the hospital.

Per PPB policy, Homicide Unit Detectives were called to the scene to investigate the death in police custody. Due to the circumstances, the three officers involved are being placed on standard protocol administrative leave. Chief Bob Day and representatives from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office and the Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene.

If anyone has information about this incident and has not already spoken to police, please contact Detective Samantha Cater at Samantha.Cater@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective Brent Christensen at Brent.Christensen@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-2087. Please reference case number 25-170804.

Additional information will be released as appropriate.

The Portland Police Bureau recognizes that a member's use of deadly force or the death of an individual while in police custody requires impartial and timely review. It is the policy of the Bureau that uses of deadly force, death as a result of member use of force, and in-custody deaths, whether on or off duty, be investigated with the utmost thoroughness, professionalism and impartiality so as to determine whether member actions comport with applicable law and Bureau policies and training.

The Bureau acknowledges that the investigations of these incidents are of critical importance to the involved member, the Bureau, and the community. The Bureau entrusts the Detective Division with the responsibility to conduct the criminal investigation of the incident objectively and thoroughly. Concurrently, the Professional Standards Division (PSD) shall also conduct an administrative review of each such incident.

The Portland Police Bureau directive outlining the procedures followed after an in-custody death may be found here.

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