UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting of PPB Officers Identified

Portland police have identified the man arrested in connection with the January 19 shooting of two officers as Eric F. Oelkers, 41, of Portland. According to the Portland Police Bureau, he was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center on two counts each of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Police said a firearm was seized during a search near the area where Oelkers was taken into custody. The bureau added that the second injured officer was released from the hospital on Monday, January 26, and that the first officer had been released the day after the shooting. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The shooting happened during a police response in the Sullivan's Gulch neighborhood. PPB said officers were called to the area of Northeast 21st Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street on January 19, then located the suspect on Clackamas Street between Northeast 16th Avenue and Northeast 17th Avenue. Police said shots were fired at the officers and both were hit. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The bureau said the investigation is still open. Anyone with information who has not already spoken with police is asked to contact homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov (opens in a new tab) or call 503-823-0479 and reference case number 26-18537. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

For readers dealing with serious injury or a wrongful death after a violent incident, the first practical steps often involve medical records, witness information, and preserving any video or other evidence before it disappears. That record can matter later in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, depending on the facts.

Sources

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