Portland police identify man killed in Pearl District apartment shooting during warrant service, investigators reviewing actions

Identification released after fatal police shooting in Northwest Portland

Portland police have identified the man who was shot and killed during a pre-dawn operation at a Pearl District apartment building, after authorities said a suspect emerged into a hallway holding a handgun while officers were serving an arrest warrant.

The fatal shooting occurred Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in the area of Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest Raleigh Street. Police said the operation began at about 5:15 a.m. as specialized units and negotiators attempted to take the suspect into custody. Officers reported no injuries to police or other community members.

What police say led to the warrant

Police traced the case to Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, when officers were dispatched to a grocery store in the 1300 block of Northwest Lovejoy Street for a reported threat with a weapon. Investigators said the suspect approached two uniformed security officers, falsely identified himself as a federal agent, pointed a handgun at one of the guards and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire. Police said the security officers struggled with the suspect, who then fled while still armed.

During the initial incident, police said the suspect left behind an instrument case containing a loaded shotgun. Investigators also reported finding threatening messages written on shotgun shells that referenced President Donald Trump.

Timeline of the standoff and shooting

Police said an arrest warrant was obtained with assistance from prosecutors, and tactical teams were assigned due to concerns about the safety of the public and officers. On Feb. 5, police reported that officers announced themselves and repeatedly ordered the suspect to exit unarmed. Negotiators attempted to make contact but were unable to communicate with him.

Authorities said residents on the floor were evacuated before police deployed irritant gas into the apartment. After that, police said the suspect came out into the hallway holding a handgun. Two members of the bureau’s tactical team fired. One officer reported that the suspect had pointed a gun at him.

Police said officers then attempted to secure the scene and summon staged medical personnel. Paramedics later determined the suspect had died.

Investigations and review process

The investigation is being handled through multiple tracks, including a criminal investigation led by detectives and a separate review by prosecutors. Police said the case will also go through an internal use-of-force review, including a Police Review Board process that includes community representation and oversight staff.

Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public following the incident, though area streets were closed while investigators processed the scene.

• Location: Pearl District, near Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest Raleigh Street
• Key dates: Jan. 31, 2026 (store incident); Feb. 5, 2026 (warrant service and shooting)
• Reported weapons recovered: a shotgun left at the earlier incident and a handgun at the shooting scene

Police said additional records related to the case are expected to be released after the investigation and legal proceedings are completed.