Portland police say they are still searching for the suspect accused of shooting two Portland Police Bureau officers in Northeast Portland on Monday night, January 19, 2026—an incident that triggered a large tactical response and an ongoing homicide-unit investigation.

While the shooting happened in Portland, it matters locally because the Portland-Vancouver metro area is a frequent destination for many Cowlitz County residents for work, medical care, travel connections, and family—and major police incidents can shape regional traffic patterns, public safety messaging, and cross-jurisdictional law enforcement activity.

What happened
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), officers responded around 8:21 p.m. on January 19 to a “threat with weapon” call near Northeast 21st Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street. Police said officers encountered a suspect on Northeast Clackamas Street between Northeast 16th and 17th avenues, where the suspect allegedly fired on officers, striking two of them, then ran from the scene.

PPB said multiple specialized units were deployed, including the bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), Crisis Negotiation Team, Air Support, K9, and drone units, and that an overnight perimeter and block search was conducted in the Sullivan’s Gulch area. Streets were closed in the immediate area during the initial response and later reopened.

Officers’ conditions
PPB reported that one of the two officers has been released from the hospital, while the other remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Suspect description and public tips
Police described the suspect as a white man in his mid-30s with facial hair. PPB said he was wearing a black baseball cap and a black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, with black pants and black shoes. PPB also said the suspect was believed to be armed with a knife and a handgun and was seen carrying a black backpack and a green shopping bag.

PPB asked anyone with information to contact investigators and reference case number 26-18537. Tip information provided by PPB includes email to [email protected] or calling 503-823-0479.

Reward offers enter the picture
Regional reporting indicates a reward has been offered in connection with identifying and arresting the suspect, reflecting that the search has extended beyond the initial neighborhood perimeter and into a broader community tip effort.

Why this is relevant in Cowlitz County
Even when incidents occur outside county lines, they can have ripple effects: major police searches and “be on the lookout” messaging can move across I-5 and into nearby counties, and public confusion can spread quickly through social media. For residents in Longview, Kelso, and surrounding communities, the practical takeaway is to rely on verified public-safety updates and avoid spreading unconfirmed suspect sightings.

Sources

Correction policy note: This story is based on official PPB releases and regional reporting as of Friday, January 23, 2026. If PPB releases the suspect’s name, booking info, or updated charges, we will update.