PORTLAND, Ore. — The man accused of committing multiple crimes spanning several counties on Monday — including carjacking and shooting at a person — pleaded not guilty to charges during his court appearance Wednesday.
The defendant, Buokuoth John Chuol, pleaded not guilty to all three charges: unlawful use of a weapon; unlawful possession of a firearm; and menacing a victim.
Officials said on Monday, Chuol robbed someone of their vehicle around 8:40 a.m. in downtown Portland, then drove to Washington County, back to Multnomah County and then into Columbia County. Later that day, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies learned Chuol had resurfaced in Scappoose at Pro Automotive & Diesel along Highway 30.
According to the court affidavit, Chuol was spotted by an employee "snooping through windows in the lot." Two workers, one grabbing a hammer, went outside to confront Chuol, who appeared to be getting into the toolbox of a silver Dodge Ram in the parking lot.
When confronted, Chuol "willingly" climbed out of the truck and "compliantly walked with his hands behind his back," as the employees grabbed him. Chuol kept repeating, "I didn't do anything wrong; I'm a Hillsboro native," according to court documents.
Chuol "suddenly" broke free of the men's grip and ran towards a Jeep parked near Highway 30. The men tried to get into the car with Chuol, but Chuol pointed a gun at them and fired once, court documents say. An employee who attempted to jump into the passenger seat slammed the door shut and "ran for his life," hearing two more shots.
A man who lives on the shop's property told police that he then pulled out his pistol and prepared to fire at the back of the Jeep, as the employees hid and called 911.
The Jeep then sped off towards Highway 30 towards Portland. No one was injured.
Afterwards, police said Chuol attempted to carjack another person before taking off in the car he'd stolen back in Portland. Chuol then started driving back into Multnomah County at speeds up to 80 mph while veering into oncoming traffic. Officers used spike strips and other pursuit intervention techniques to stop the vehicle on Highway 30 in the Linnton area.
Police said in the court affidavit that they reviewed Chuol's criminal history and that he is a convicted felon. Chuol is currently in custody, and his next hearing in Columbia County Court is set for Nov. 29 at 1:30 p.m.
