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Portland police say the man accused of shooting two officers in Sullivan’s Gulch has been identified, arrested, and lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center. The bureau says the investigation remains open and is still asking for tips tied to case 26-18537.
Photo: Portland Police Bureau
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published January 22, 2026
Portland police say the man arrested after two officers were shot on January 19, 2026, has been identified as Eric F. Oelkers, 41, of Portland. According to the Portland Police Bureau, he was lodged in the Multnomah County Detention Center on two counts each of attempted murder in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, and unlawful use of a weapon.
PPB says the arrest followed a tactical operation on January 26 in the 6400 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue. The bureau said the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Police also said a firearm was seized during a search of the area where Oelkers was apprehended.
The shooting took place in the Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood on January 19, when officers responding to a report of a threat with a weapon found the suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street. PPB said the suspect fired at the officers, striking both. One officer was released from the hospital the day after the shooting, and the second was released on Monday, January 26.
Before the arrest, police released additional photographs and asked the public for help identifying the suspect. The bureau described him as a Caucasian male in his mid-30s with facial hair, wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket, gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation remains open. PPB is asking anyone with information to contact homicide tips at homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov (opens in a new tab) or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537.
For people hurt in a shooting or another violent incident, prompt medical care, witness information, and preserved records can matter later if there are insurance or civil claims tied to the event. A lawyer handling personal injury (opens in a new tab) or wrongful death (opens in a new tab) matters can also help families sort through records and deadlines after a police incident.
Source reporting used to prepare this update and preserve citation transparency.
Insurance calls, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty tend to arrive at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation: understand the facts, preserve useful records, and talk through the legal options that fit your Oregon injury claim.
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