UPDATE: PPB Provides Additional Information about Incident in Goose Hollow Neighborhood

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, at approximately 2:49 a.m., employees at the Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC) reported seeing a vehicle driving slowly around the building before entering the premise. The vehicle continued driving further inside and was soon observed engulfed in flames and employees called 911. First responders to include Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) arrived and located a deceased individual inside the vehicle. Out of an abundance of caution, and due to this happening hours after May Day and the location's proximity to Providence Park, additional public safety resources to include local and federal agencies were activated to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Once a thorough sweep of the neighborhood was complete and the area secure, the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU), comprised of multiple partner agencies, turned their focus to the vehicle and interior of the building. During that search, investigators located multiple incendiary devices and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Some of the devices had partially detonated, causing significant damage, while others were found in varying states of activation. Propane tanks were among the materials identified. Specialized robots were used to safely assess, recover, and detonate remaining hazardous devices. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe the driver intentionally entered the building with the intent to deploy explosive devices.

"With the best of information we have right now, this was an isolated event and not related to domestic terrorism," PPB Chief Bob Day said at a Saturday afternoon news conference. "Portlanders and the region should be confident in the public safety system we have. I'm immensely grateful to the first responders who have put in the hours and will continue to put in the hours and time today to provide the highest level of safety to all Portlanders."

PPB would like to thank its partners to include Portland Fire & Rescue, FBI, ATF, and the numerous partner agencies that make up MEDU.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact [email protected] and reference case number 26-126430.

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

Crash and Fire Investigation Underway in Goose Hollow Neighborhood

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:49 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a report that a vehicle had crashed through the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club, located at 1849 Southwest Salmon Street, and caught fire. After the fire was controlled, one person was located deceased in the vehicle.

PPB's Explosive Disposal Unit responded after evidence of an explosive device was found in the vehicle. EDU is assisting with the investigation and assessing the scene. During the investigation, Southwest 18th Avenue is closed from Southwest Taylor Street to Southwest Madison Street, and Southwest 20th Avenue is closed from Southwest Morrison Street to Southwest Madison Street. Community members are asked to avoid the area.

Anyone with information about this incident who has not already spoken to police is asked to e-mail [email protected]….

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###