Driver Avoids Gunfire In Early Morning Confrontation, Police Say

PORTLAND, OR — A commuter narrowly avoided being shot in north Portland early Wednesday after he attempted to confront a man who'd punched out one of his car windows. No suspects have been identified at this time.

Portland Police Bureau North Precinct officers were dispatched just after 1:30 a.m. April 11 to a reported shooting near the intersection of North Chautauqua Boulevard and North Willamette Boulevard, by the Mock's Bottom/Swan Island industrial area.

The 911 caller told officers he had pulled over to rest at North Russet and North Lombard streets, near Columbia Park, when he started to feel drowsy while he was on his way home from work.

While the commuter was resting in his car, a black sedan with a woman driver and male passenger pulled up behind him. Arguing loudly, the man and woman both got out of their sedan, the commuter told police.

The man then reportedly approached the commuter's car, likely unaware there was anyone inside, and punched out one of the vehicle's windows.

Startled, the commuter shouted at the man, who promptly returned to the black sedan and drove away with the woman.

The commuter followed the alleged window puncher for about a quarter-mile before the black sedan made a sudden U-turn and stopped in the road around the 7300-block of North Chautauqua Boulevard.

After the man got out of the sedan, the commuter told police he heard gunshots and drove away.

Police searching the area reportedly found evidence of gunfire in the roadway as well as bullet strikes on the commuter's car. The commuter was not injured, police said.

Police are now seeking any information related to a newer model sedan, black in color, with a woman driver and male passenger. Anyone who can help further this investigation is asked to call the Bureau's non-emergency number at 503-823-3333.

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