Gresham murder suspect and retiring Portland K-9 die in SE Portland shootout
A wanted suspect and a Portland Police Bureau K-9 died during a planned arrest in southeast Portland on Thursday. The suspect, linked to a Gresham murder, was shot after fleeing from officers. The K-9, Kylo, was scheduled to retire after six years of service. Two officers are on administrative leave.
Key points
- Gunfire erupted at 1:45 p.m. near the Chestnut Tree Inn at SE 97th Avenue and Stark Street.
- The suspect, wanted for a Gresham murder, was located by a regional Violent Offenders Task Force.
- Portland Police Bureau K-9 Kylo died after being shot; he was scheduled to retire after six years.
- Two Portland officers and two officers from other agencies are on administrative leave.
- The PPB Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting under case number 26-279642.
Background
This incident follows a series of shootings in southeast Portland in August and September 2026, including a late-night shooting near Water Avenue and a homicide in the Buckman neighborhood. The Gresham murder investigation began with a welfare check that found a victim dead at a home on SE Market Street.
How outlets are covering it
OPB and KPTV agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis. OPB focuses on the emotional impact on the police department and the K-9's retirement, while KPTV details the Gresham murder investigation and the suspect's flight. KATU's article was inaccessible due to a technical error, but its title confirms the suspect was wanted for a Gresham homicide. All sources agree that the U.S. Marshals Service was involved in the arrest, but OPB and KPTV note that the federal presence was for violent crime, not immigration enforcement.
Why it matters
The death of a K-9 during a planned arrest highlights the risks faced by law enforcement in violent crime operations. The incident also underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing violent crime in Portland and the surrounding regions, as well as the emotional toll on police officers and their families.
What to watch
The PPB Homicide Unit and the Gresham Police Department are investigating the shooting and the Gresham homicide, respectively. They are asking the public for information. The administrative leave of the involved officers is part of standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
- More than 40 units respond to shooting in Southeast Portland Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
- Wanted suspect and K9 killed during attempted arrest by US Marshals in SE Portland KPTV
- Police shooting reported in Montavilla Neighborhood in SE Portland KATU
- Portland police responding to 'critical incident' KGW
- Police respond to critical incident in East Portland KOIN.com
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB