A quiet neighbourhood in Southeast Portland woke up to chaos early Sunday morning when a shooting inside a home left one person dead and two others injured.
What started as a normal morning quickly turned into a serious police investigation, leaving residents scared and confused. This incident has raised new concerns about safety, crime levels, and the changing face of Portland communities.
What Happened in Southeast Portland
Early Morning police response
Portland police officers reached a home near Southeast 125th Avenue and Southeast Division Street around 6:30 a.m. after getting reports of gunshots.
When officers entered the home, they found three people with gunshot wounds and a fourth person with a minor injury.
Sadly, one of the injured victims died later due to their injuries. Police immediately secured the area and started collecting evidence.
What Police Found
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast 125th Ave & Southeast Division St |
| Time of Incident | Around 6:30 a.m., Sunday |
| Total Injured | 3 people |
| Deaths Reported | 1 person |
| Suspect Status | Suspect left before police arrived |
| Type of Location | Rental home |
Police Investigation Begins
Streets Closed, No Arrests Yet
Detectives blocked nearby streets for hours while they searched the home and surrounding area. As of now, no immediate arrests have been made, and police believe the suspect escaped before officers reached the spot.
Neighbors Share What They Saw
Dog Alerted Owner Moments Before Shooting
A neighbor living across the street told reporters that his dog started barking unusually around sunrise. When he stepped outside, he saw a black car driving down the street.
According to the neighbor, the car stopped to pick up three or four people, who seemed to be leaving the house where the shooting happened. The car then sped away quickly, raising further suspicion.
Another Witness Called Police After Arriving From Work
Another man, who lives in a cul-de-sac behind the home, had just returned from a late-night work shift. When he saw the disturbance, he immediately called the police.
A Neighborhood With a Troubled Past
Residents say the block has faced issues for years. During the pandemic, the area was lined with RVs and tents, and problems continued even after. The house involved in the shooting is a rental property, and neighbours say the tenants mostly kept to themselves.
One long-time resident shared his frustration, saying, “This is my home. I used to love this city, but it’s hard to defend it lately.” His comments reflect a larger concern about changing safety conditions in Portland.
Crime Trends in Portland
Interestingly, despite this tragic incident, Portland’s homicide rate is going down.
- In 2025, the city has recorded just over 40 homicides.
- By the same time in 2024, the number was more than 60.
- Shootings have also decreased by 32%, according to Police Chief Bob Day.
These numbers show improvement, but events like Sunday’s shooting remind residents that safety challenges still exist.
Police Wrap Up the Scene
By 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, officers were seen carrying large paper evidence bags from the house. Soon after, they removed the police tape, allowing normal movement in the neighbourhood again.
This tragic shooting in Southeast Portland has shaken a community already struggling with safety concerns. While police report that overall homicides and shootings have decreased in the city, events like this show that crime can still strike without warning.
As investigators continue working to find the suspect, residents hope for justice and safer days ahead. Portland’s future depends on restoring trust, improving neighbourhood security, and ensuring that families feel safe in their own homes.
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