PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Mexican restaurant in North Portland was riddled with gunfire and a crowd of suspected gang members scattered when officers responded early Saturday morning, according to Portland police.
The gunfire occurred just after 4 a.m. and there were no reports of injuries.
Police first responded to the area of North Kerby Avenue and Willis Boulevard, after people called 911 to report the sound of gunshots.
"As officers were responding to the area, witnesses reported seeing a crowd of 10 to 15 gang members wearing red in a parking lot and several cars leaving the area," said Sgt. Pete Simpson with the Portland Police Bureau. "Shortly after officers arrived, police heard several more gunshots to the southeast of their location, off in the distance."
Officers headed to that location and found evidence of gunfire and damage to a window at Javier's Taco Shop, located at North Vancouver Avenue and Lombard Street.
No gunshot victims were located at either location, Simpson said.
The Gang Enforcement Team is leading the investigation. They believe the two incidents were related.
Meantime, the Tactical Operations Division continues to investigate several incidents of gun violence citywide. So far this year, police have investigated 91 gang-related shootings in Portland, Simpson said.
Also, of the 19 homicides so far in 2015, 13 involved firearms, but it was unclear exactly how many, if any, were gang-related, he said.
Anyone with information about gun crimes in the City of Portland is encouraged to provide information to Portland Police by calling 503-823-4106 or emailing information to: gangs@portlandoregon.gov.
Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube can also be shared with investigators, as these tips may lead to the identification of suspects.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a minimum $250 cash reward to anyone who reports a convicted felon or a juvenile in possession of a firearm and tipsters can remain anonymous. These tips can be shared on the Crime Stoppers website, by texting CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or by calling 503-823-HELP (4357) and leaving a voicemail.
Related content:
