Suspect Arrested in Shooting of Two Portland Police Officers

Eric Floyd Oelkers charged in attack that left officers hospitalized

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Eric Floyd Oelkers, 41, was arrested Monday morning after a week-long manhunt for the shooting of two Portland police officers on January 19. Court documents reveal new details about the incident, including how police tracked down the suspect using surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and his prior criminal record.

Why it matters

The shooting of the two officers has raised concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to violent incidents in the Portland area. The arrest of the suspected shooter provides some resolution, but also highlights ongoing challenges around repeat offenders and the need for stronger public safety measures.

The details

According to court documents, Oelkers opened fire on officers Sebastian Dragomir and Randy Stowe shortly after they approached him on January 19 in response to a 911 call about a man threatening someone with a knife. Oelkers allegedly shot one officer in the upper right thigh, shattering his femur, and the other in the upper right arm, neck, and ear. Neither officer was able to return fire before Oelkers fled the scene on foot.

  • The initial 911 call came in around 8:17 p.m. on January 19.
  • The shooting occurred shortly after the two officers made contact with the suspect.
  • Oelkers was arrested early Monday morning, January 27, after a week-long manhunt.

The players

Eric Floyd Oelkers

A 41-year-old man with a prior criminal record, including an active warrant for a bias crime case and another for skipping bail in a robbery case.

Officer Sebastian Dragomir

One of the two Portland police officers shot by Oelkers, sustaining injuries to his upper right thigh and femur.

Officer Randy Stowe

The other Portland police officer shot by Oelkers, sustaining injuries to his upper right arm, neck, and ear.

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What they’re saying

“We just had trouble with him, like vandalism, harassing staff at our job, vandalizing some of our coworkers' vehicles, and stuff like that. Police have been called multiple times on him, and they've never been able to find him.”

— Park Shuttle 'N Fly employee

What’s next

Oelkers is set to be arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court next week. The judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Portland faces in addressing violent crime and repeat offenders, as well as the risks police officers face in responding to potentially dangerous situations. The arrest of the suspected shooter provides some relief, but also raises questions about public safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent such attacks in the future.