UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting of PPB Officers Arrested

Portland police say the suspect in the shooting of two officers was arrested on Monday, January 26, 2026, during a tactical operation in the 6400 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue. The Portland Police Bureau identified him as Eric F. Oelkers, 41, of Portland. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

According to PPB, the arrest followed the January 19 shooting in the Sullivan's Gulch neighborhood, where officers responded to a report of a threat with a weapon and encountered the suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street between Northeast 16th Avenue and Northeast 17th Avenue. Police say the suspect fired at the officers, striking two of them. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

PPB said Oelkers 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. Police also said a firearm was seized during a search of the area where he was taken into custody. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The bureau said the second injured officer was released from the hospital on Monday, January 26, and the first officer had been released the day after the shooting. PPB said the investigation remains open and ongoing. It asked anyone with information who has not already spoken with police to contact detectives and reference case number 26-18537. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

For people documenting a violent incident, police reports, medical records, and witness information can matter later in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If a shooting leads to civil questions about safety, insurance, or damages, careful recordkeeping starts early. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

Sources

1. UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting of PPB Officers Arrested (opens in a new tab) - Portland Police Bureau, 2026-01-26