Update: Injured officer identified

Portland Police Badge

December 26, 2020 16:09

The officer injured when a person hit her with a stolen pickup truck in the gas station lot in the 3900 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard on December 24, 2020, is Officer Jennifer Pierce. Officer Pierce, a 15-year veteran, suffered a fractured pelvis and is still in the hospital.

Officer Pierce is also the officer who discharged her firearm during this incident.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandpolice.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Travis Law Travis.Law@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0395.

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December 24, 2020, at about 8:51 p.m., Portland Police responded to a call regarding a stolen vehicle. The vehicle had been described in the call as a 1988, white, Chevrolet pickup. Officers found the vehicle in 3900 Block of Southeast Powell Boulevard, in a gas station parking lot.

When officers found the pickup at the gas station it was occupied by two people.

Within minutes after arriving an officer reported that police had been involved in a shooting. Officers on the scene reported the suspect vehicle rammed a police patrol vehicle and officer.

One officer discharged a firearm during this incident. That officer was injured when at some point the officer was struck by the suspect vehicle. The officer was transported to a hospital by ambulance and admitted with non-life threatening injuries.

The injured and involved officer is a 15 year veteran. The officer's name is not being released at this time pending proper notification of family members about this incident and in the interest in the safety of the officer.

The stolen pickup fled the scene and was found unoccupied over an hour later near Southeast 54th Avenue and Southeast Belmont Street. Officers searched the area with a K9, but did not find anyone.

It is not known if or to what extent anyone in the pickup was injured. There is no additional suspect information to release at this time. More information will be released when it is provided by detectives.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives are investigating this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact. Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandpolice.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Travis Law Travis.Law@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0395.

Chief Chuck Lovell said, "This critical incident highlights the dangers inherent in the job and the exemplary service provided by all of our members regardless of time of day or day of the year. The fact that this happened on Christmas Eve and the investigation continues into Christmas Day may increase the impact or stress this causes. Our investigators are working tirelessly to apprehend those involved and I appreciate their efforts. While I am saddened by the injury to our officer, I am encouraged by the medical prognosis and hope for a speedy recovery."

The Portland Police Bureau Internal Affairs Division (IA) and the Independent Police Review (IPR) responded and were present from the beginning of the investigation to ensure a thorough administrative review of the incident.

The Portland Police Bureau recognizes there is public interest anytime an officer is involved in a shooting and that such events can impact the entire community. Detectives weigh the release of any information to keep the community informed with the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

Portland Police directives related to officer involved shootings and administrative investigations are available at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/65886

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###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On December 24, 2020, at about 8:51 pm, Portland Police responded to a gas station in the 3900 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard on a call involving a stolen vehicle. While officers were investigating the call, an officer was involved in a shooting. An officer was injured during the incident when they were struck by a vehicle. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. The suspect vehicle fled the scene and although police located it sometime later, the vehicle was found unoccupied.

Portland Police Homicide Detectives are investigating this officer involved shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jen Hertzler at Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-1040 or Detective Travis Law at Travis.Law@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0395

The PIO will brief media at Southeast 39th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard (Southeast corner of intersection near the Safeway) at 11:50 p.m.

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