PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Three men are facing multiple charges after eluding and shooting at police during a pursuit.
PPB’s Focused Intervention Team saw a 2000 Ford Mustang make dangerous lane changes and ran stop signs while patrolling near Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Interstate 205 around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
Officers tried to pull them over but the driver sped off.
An officer put spike strips on the I-84 westbound on ramp from Northeast 39th Avenue, then the suspects shot at him while he was standing outside of his patrol vehicle.
Officers pursued the Mustang, which had flat tires, to I-5 into Washington, where Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department assisted.
Just before 11:00 p.m., the Mustang crashed near Northeast St. Johns Road and Northeast 68th Street in Vancouver and the three suspects ran away.
“Dad told me that he got a call from a 911 operator letting him know that there was a shooting and that they were actively pursuing somebody and to stay inside the house,” Vancouver resident Joe Gornowicz said.
Gornowicz and his family watched from inside their home as Vancouver police and Clark County deputies searched the family’s property for a possible shooting suspect.
“We have six or so officers kind of in a triangle formation pushing towards the left corner of our yard here, helmets, body armor, rifles are out,” Gornowicz explained.
Gornowicz said “it’s a pretty scary thing. Officer’s trying to do their job, trying to keep the community safe and they’re getting shot at.”
“I’m glad the officer’s okay, but it’s just kind of wild that it came from Portland all the way here,” Gornowicz said.
Officers said they quickly detained two suspects and a K9 track caught the third suspect.
Later, officers found bullet casings on the I-84 on ramp. No officers were injured.
Authorities also found three guns and additional bullet casings in the Mustang.
“These suspects not only put our whole community in danger through their outrageous actions, but they tried to kill a police officer doing his duty,” Chief Chuck Lovell said. “I’m relieved that the officer was not hurt, and that the suspects were captured. The bravery and incredibly effective interagency coordination that was displayed resulted in the safe capture of these suspects and is a truly a testament to the skill and dedication of these professional police officers. We’re extremely grateful for the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department.”
Officers identified one of the suspects as 24-year-old Cuahutemoc Hernandez, who was charged with attempted murder in the first degree with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and additional charges fro Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
27-year-old Zachary M. Chronister was also charged with attempted murder in the first degree with a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. PPB noted he also had an outstanding parole violation warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board from an assault charge.
23-year-old Jose A. Martinez, of Vancouver, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
“We’re very concerned about our officers. We’re concerned about our community. The amount of violence we’re seeing in the community is historic,” Aaron Schmautz, president of the Portland Police Association, said.
Schmautz says violence towards police officers around the country and locally has to stop.
“We have got to culturally address the fact that violence is unacceptable. People who engage in violence need to be held accountable, they need to be arrested and prosecuted,” Schmautz said.
Schmautz also said the suspects will be extradited to Oregon.
KOIN 6 is working to find out from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office when that will be and what charges they’ll face in Multnomah County.