PORTLAND, OR – Tactical teams from the Portland Police Bureau have launched an intensive manhunt near the Eastmoreland Golf Course following an incident early Friday morning in which a suspect reportedly fired shots at officers from the Milwaukie Police Department. Authorities confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the exchange.
The large-scale search operation commenced after a vehicle pursuit initiated by Milwaukie Police crossed into Portland. The incident dramatically escalated when the suspect engaged officers by firing shots before crashing their vehicle and attempting to evade capture on foot.
Chronology of Events Leading to the Search
The critical sequence of events began on Friday, June 20, 2025, at precisely 2:53 a.m. The Portland Police Bureau was initially called upon to provide assistance to the Milwaukie Police Department, which was actively engaged in a vehicle pursuit of a suspect.
The pursuit traversed into Portland city limits, culminating near the intersection of Southeast Tacoma Street and Southeast 26th Place. At this location, the suspect’s vehicle crashed. Following the collision, the individual fled from the disabled vehicle.
Authorities reported that prior to or immediately following the crash, the suspect fired shots at the pursuing Milwaukie Police Officers. This direct act of aggression against law enforcement personnel significantly heightened the operational response.
Establishing a Tactical Perimeter
Upon the suspect fleeing on foot, officers rapidly established a comprehensive perimeter around the Eastmoreland Golf Course. The search area was specifically defined, extending north into the golf course itself and encompassing the surrounding vicinity up to Southeast Bybee Boulevard.
The primary objective of establishing this perimeter was to contain the suspect within a defined area, thereby minimizing the risk to the wider public and concentrating search efforts. A significant police presence was immediately visible in the affected neighborhoods as law enforcement personnel secured the boundaries of the search zone.
Deployment of Specialized Units
In response to the critical nature of the situation and the reported use of deadly force by the suspect against officers, specialized units from the Portland Police Bureau were rapidly deployed to the scene. The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) have taken the lead in conducting the meticulous search and managing potential contact with the suspect.
SERT, the bureau’s tactical response unit, is specifically trained for high-risk situations such as this, involving armed suspects and the need for systematic, thorough searches in potentially complex environments like a golf course with various terrains and hiding spots. Their deployment underscores the gravity of the threat assessment by law enforcement command.
Simultaneously, the Crisis Negotiation Team’s presence indicates preparedness for a peaceful resolution, should the suspect be located and a standoff or opportunity for communication arise. While SERT focuses on the physical search and containment, CNT’s role is crucial for de-escalation efforts.
Community Notification and Safety Advisories
A critical component of the response has been the communication with residents in the areas surrounding the Eastmoreland Golf Course. Utilizing the Public Alerts system, authorities have proactively notified residents within and near the established perimeter about the ongoing police activity and potential danger.
The advisory issued to the community has been clear and direct: residents are strongly advised to stay indoors while the search is underway. Furthermore, the public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement via the 911 system.
This measure is standard procedure during active manhunts involving potentially armed and dangerous individuals and is intended to ensure the safety of residents by minimizing potential exposure and enlisting community assistance in spotting the suspect.
Transportation Disruptions
The extensive police operation and the need to secure the search area have also resulted in temporary disruptions to local transportation infrastructure.
MAX light rail service operating through the affected area was temporarily halted as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and transit personnel and to prevent any interference with the police operation. Authorities later reported that efforts were underway to restore MAX service, indicating a potential shift or stabilization in the perimeter status, though the search remained active.
Additionally, Union Pacific trains operating on nearby lines were halted. The decision to stop freight and passenger rail traffic highlights the scale of the perimeter and the safety zone required by tactical teams operating in the vicinity of the tracks that may traverse or be adjacent to the search area.
Ongoing Operational Status
As of the latest reports from the scene, the intensive search operation led by SERT and supported by CNT remains underway. Law enforcement personnel continue to methodically comb the Eastmoreland Golf Course and the areas within the secured perimeter for the suspect.
The focus remains on safely apprehending the individual responsible for firing upon police officers. The coordination between the Portland Police Bureau and the Milwaukie Police Department continues as the manhunt progresses.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, and details regarding the initial reason for the pursuit by Milwaukie Police were not immediately available. The priority remains the safe conclusion of the search operation.
Residents are reminded to continue adhering to the safety advisories issued via the Public Alerts system and to report any sightings or information pertinent to the search.
The situation remains dynamic, and updates are expected as the search operation develops.
