PORTLAND, OR – On Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 10:37p.m., officers with the Portland Police Focused Intervention Team were patrolling near Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Interstate-205 as there has been recent gun crimes in the neighborhood. The officers saw a black 2000 Ford Mustang whose driver committed several traffic violations including dangerous lane changes and failing to stop at stop signs. When the officers initiated a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle increased speed in an attempt to elude.
On the on-ramp to Interstate-84 westbound from Northeast 39th Avenue, an officer from East Precinct deployed spike strips. The officer from East Precinct reported the occupants of the vehicle shot at him as he was standing outside of his patrol vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle from a distance as it drove, with multiple flat tires, northbound I-5 into Washington State. At the request of PPB, Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department joined to assist. At 10:58p.m., near Northeast St Johns Road and Northeast 68th Street in Vancouver, the Mustang crashed and three occupants ran away on foot. Two were immediately detained, and a third was captured after a K9 track.
Officers located bullet casings on the on ramp to I-84 westbound from Northeast 39th Avenue. No officers were injured.
The Portland Police Homicide Unit detectives responded to conduct an investigation. Homicide Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the occupants of the vehicle and they were all booked into the Clark County Jail on the outstanding warrants along with charges from Clark County. Clark County Sheriff’s Office detectives issued a search warrant for the Mustang and recovered three firearms along with additional bullet casings.
Cuahutemoc Hernandez, 24, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and additional charges from Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Zachary M. Chronister, 27, was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Chronister also had an outstanding parole violation warrant issued by the Oregon State Parole Board (original charge of Assault). Additional charges from Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Jose A. Martinez, 23, of Vancouver, was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
“These suspects not only put our whole community in danger through their outrageous actions, but they tried to kill a police officer doing his duty,” said Chief Chuck Lovell. “I’m relieved that the officer was not hurt, and that the suspects were captured. The bravery and incredibly effective interagency coordination that was displayed resulted in the safe capture of these suspects and is a truly a testament to the skill and dedication of these professional police officers. We’re extremely grateful for the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver Police Department.”
Photo descriptions:
1. A Kahr semiautomatic handgun with black frame and silver handle sits on a vehicle seat
2. The front right wheel of a Ford Mustang with the tire and most of the wheel destroyed
3. The rear right wheel of the Mustang missing its tire