A Gresham homicide suspect was killed in a Portland police shooting on Sept. 24, 2026, after officers attempted to arrest him. A Portland Police Bureau K9 named Kylo also died during the incident, which occurred near Southeast 97th Avenue and Oak Street.
The man killed in the officer-involved shooting was the suspect in a Gresham homicide earlier that day, according to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). The shooting unfolded around 1:45 p.m. when the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, alongside PPB officers and other agencies, confronted the suspect near the Chestnut Tree Inn. Despite efforts to save him, the man died at the scene, and a firearm was recovered.
The Gresham Police Department (GPD) identified the suspect in connection to a homicide that occurred around 7 a.m. on Sept. 24. Officers found a deceased resident at a home on Southeast Market Street and later located the suspect near Southeast Pine Street and 99th Avenue. The U.S. Marshals Task Force, working with GPD and PPB, intervened during the arrest attempt, leading to the shooting. GPD confirmed the suspect was wanted for the Gresham murder but did not release his name.
UPDATE #1: Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting Connected to
Witness Accounts Describe Chaos and K9’s Death
A guest at the Ramada, located across the street from the Chestnut Tree, informed FOX 12 that they counted 20-30 gunshots. Another witness, Ryan Kowal, said he was in the area walking his dog when the shooting occurred. The suspect had been spotted earlier that day near Southeast Pine Street and 99th Avenue in Portland, after Gresham officers located him following a homicide investigation.
Kylo, who had served the PPB for six years, was scheduled to retire on his final shift. The dog was injured during the encounter and later died at an animal hospital. A police procession escorted his body to Oregon Humane Society’s Animal Crimes Forensic Center, where officers saluted him. PPB Chief Bob Day called the loss “a tragedy,” emphasizing the sanctity of life in the city.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
The PPB confirmed two of its officers and two from other agencies were involved in the shooting, both now on paid administrative leave. The bureau’s internal review process will examine the incident, including the initial response and use of force. A Police Review Board (PRB) will also assess the case, with findings to be posted on the PPB’s Open Data page. The Gresham homicide and the Portland shooting are being investigated by separate teams, though both involve the same suspect.
PPB spokesperson Mike Benner stated the agency is committed to transparency, citing its interactive dashboard for tracking officer-involved shootings. However, the bureau has not yet identified the suspect or the Gresham victim. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact police using case number 26-279642.
Gresham murder suspect and K9 shot, killed during attempted
Police Chief Bob Day emphasized the federal government’s role in combating violent crime, stating, This was not an immigration related event, even though we have a federal presence out here,
Day said. We do work closely with our federal partners. We rely heavily upon them to be able to deal with and combat violent crime in the city.
K9 Kylo’s Legacy and Community Impact
Kylo’s death has stirred emotional responses from the Portland community. Chief Day noted the loss resonated deeply, as Kylo’s final day was meant to be a celebration of his service. The PPB’s Canine Unit, which Kylo was part of, has a long history of aiding investigations, though details about his specific contributions were not disclosed. A memorial for Kylo is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The PPB Homicide Unit responded to the scene to investigate the shooting. Individuals with details about the incident, who haven’t yet contacted law enforcement, are urged to reach out to homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and mention case number 26-279642. Further information regarding the officer-involved shooting, including the identity of the deceased, will be disclosed at the appropriate time.