Summary:
- Multiple shooting incidents in Portland leave two dead and one injured at Good Samaritan Hospital.
- Police locate and confront the suspect in Gresham, resulting in the suspect's death.
- Community expresses concern over the prevalence of violence and calls for action on mental health issues.
A day of confusion and tragedy struck Portland as police responded to multiple scenes across the area due to one man's violent actions. The suspect, wanted in connection with two shootings that claimed two lives, is now dead. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the shooting rampage.
The chaotic events began when Portland police received a report of a person possibly carrying a gun at Good Samaritan Hospital on Saturday morning. Tragically, an unarmed hospital security officer, Bobby Smallwood, lost his life as a result of the shooting. Another hospital staff member was injured during the incident but is reported to be in stable condition, according to Legacy hospital officials.
Law enforcement quickly descended on Northwest 22nd Ave in response to the shooting. The hospital was placed under lockdown while the suspect managed to flee the scene. Fred Meyer on West Burnside was also searched as part of the effort to locate the suspect, but no threat was found there.
After a few hours, officers located the suspect in a car approximately 15 miles away in Gresham, and a tactical effort was made to negotiate with him. Unfortunately, the confrontation led to the police firing upon the suspect near the US Bank on 181st, resulting in his death.
Residents near the shopping center where the confrontation took place expressed that such crime and violence have sadly become all too common, and they were not surprised by the tragic turn of events.
As the police cars eventually departed the scene, concerns were raised by the community about the lack of effective measures to curb such violence and address mental health issues that may contribute to such incidents.
The loss of the security officer, Bobby Smallwood, has left Good Samaritan Hospital and the broader Portland community in deep sorrow. Legacy Health's president and CEO conveyed their profound grief in a statement, emphasizing the dedication shown by Smallwood in protecting patients and hospital employees.
The incident has raised questions about public safety measures and mental health support in the community. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motives and circumstances leading to the shootings. Authorities are calling for increased efforts to address crime and violence in the area and provide better mental health resources for those in need.