Shortly after 5 a.m. this morning, Portland Police officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of Southeast Belmont Street, where two men sleeping had been shot.
According to the police announcement this morning, one man was grazed by a bullet on the side of his body and the second man was shot in the chest. The man shot in the chest is being transported to an area hospital with possible life threatening injuries.
Officers learned from witnesses that the men were shot in a drive-by type shooting by a suspect from a pickup truck. The truck is described as black, newer, 4 doors and had no canopy.
Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Homicide Detectives at 503-823-0400.
Updated:
Portland Housing Commissioner Nick Fish has just released the following statement: “I condemn the perpetrator of this ugly act of violence. Two sleeping homeless men were apparently the victims of a random drive-by shooting. One victim has been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Homeless men, women, and children living on our streets are particularly vulnerable to violent acts. In the City’s 2011 Street Count, nearly half of those who completed a survey reported being the victim of physical violence or attack.
The City is making progress in its effort to end homelessness. The opening of Bud Clark Commons is but one notable example. This shameful criminal act reminds us that everyone in our community deserves a safe and decent place to call home.”