When a local man was killed by Portland Police, this time in nearby Lents Park, protests ensue

Posted May 2021

By Garon Jones

Staff Editor

When Portland Police fatally shot a homeless man in Lents Park on April 16 , who was alleged to be holding a gun, 150 protesters gathered around the crime scene, another Portland protest objecting to the questionable use of deadly force.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, officers responded to a call reporting an armed male, reportedly white and in his thirties, around 9:30 a.m. Two unnamed officers fired a 40mm device that shoots non-lethal projectiles. One officer, identified as Zachary Delong, and a police veteran of eight years fired the lethal shot. The officer is currently on administrative leave, according to the bureau.

"I don't know that at this point," said acting Police Chief Chris Davis, when asked if the man pointed a gun at police during a press conference held at the East Precinct. "It's still really early in this.”

The acting police chief was asked if police could release photographs of the weapon.

“We can release that when it's appropriate to do so, and really it's a balancing act,” reported the Portland Tribune.

Davis also did not know how many shots were fired. In response, 150 protesters gathered around the crime scene and chanted. Many, dressed in all black and wearing protective helmets, yelled at officers while investigators examined the crime scene. Later in the day, the crowd moved to a nearby intersection, continuing to chant and block traffic. The police left the park at 3:30 p.m.