The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 19 the arrest of a 14-year-old boy accused of shooting a 13-year-old girl in Wood Village. The incident occurred on Friday, May 15, near Northeast 235th Avenue and Northeast Arata Road.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect turned himself in at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, accompanied by his attorney at the request of detectives. Deputies and detectives, along with the United States Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, had been searching for him prior to his surrender. He was booked into custody at the Multnomah County Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Authorities said that the incident began as a physical fight between two teenage girls after they exited a school bus. Both girls are acquainted with the suspect. During this altercation, he is accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting one of them before immediately leaving the scene. Detectives confirmed that he is not enrolled in Reynolds School District.
The victim remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Her identity will not be released due to her age.
The sheriff’s office recognized “the efforts of the deputies, detectives, and analysts who worked on this case,” noting that “every available resource was dedicated to investigating this incident.” The agency also thanked community members for providing cell phone video and tips as well as public safety call-takers and dispatchers at Bureau of Emergency Communications for their response.
Because the suspect is under 18 years old, no further information about him will be released by authorities. The sheriff’s office stated that “charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” They also noted that ORS 133.870 generally prohibits release of jail booking photos unless there is law enforcement purpose.
Officials said information provided was based on preliminary details available at this stage in their investigation.