Portland police have identified the man who was fatally shot in Southeast Portland on Saturday morning as 20-year-old Michael Pena-Tapia of Woodburn. The incident marks another addition to the city’s growing list of violent crimes under investigation this year.
Details of the Shooting
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), officers responded around 10 a.m. to reports of gunfire near Southeast 17th Avenue and Harold Street. When first responders arrived, they discovered Pena-Tapia lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the cause of death as homicide resulting from gunshot injuries. Investigators believe the shooter or shooters fled before police arrived, and as of Tuesday, no arrests have been made.
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Investigation Underway
Detectives with PPB’s Homicide Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released information regarding potential suspects, motives, or whether the incident was targeted or random.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, heard gunfire, or has relevant security footage to come forward. Tips can be shared via email at homicidetips@police.portlandore or by calling 503-823-0479. Individuals providing information are asked to reference case number 25-287065.
Community Impact
The shooting has heightened safety concerns among residents of the Southeast 17th Avenue and Harold Street neighborhood, an area that has seen an uptick in violent incidents in recent months. Neighbors reported hearing several loud gunshots followed by people running from the area.
Police have since increased patrols and visibility in the vicinity, though they emphasize that public assistance remains vital to solving the case.
Ongoing Violence in the Portland Area
Pena-Tapia’s killing adds to a troubling series of homicides across the Portland metro area. Recent cases include the 2022 fatal shooting of an Uber driver and father of eight, the unsolved downtown shooting of a young man a decade ago, and the Sellwood-Moreland suspected homicide currently under investigation.
Authorities have also made progress in other cases, such as arresting a second suspect linked to the stray-bullet killing of a Gresham teen, while another suspect remains at large. Meanwhile, the owner of a Portland smoke shop was recently sentenced to life in prison for killing two rivals.
Appeal for Information
As the investigation into Pena-Tapia’s death continues, detectives are working to piece together what led to the deadly encounter. The Portland Police Bureau has reiterated its call for public cooperation, emphasizing that even small details can be crucial in solving homicide cases.
Anyone with information, photos, or surveillance video related to the incident is encouraged to contact detectives as soon as possible.
