Grand jury clears 3 Portland police officers of charges in fatal Mall 205 shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A Multnomah County grand jury has ruled three Portland police officers were justified when they shot and killed a robbery suspect near Mall 205 back in December.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that the grand jury returned a “not true” bill, finding the use of force by Portland Police Officers John Bartlett, Adi Ramic and Brian Wheeler resulting in the death of 33-year-old Tyrone Lee Johnson II was not criminal under Oregon law.

The shooting occurred the night of Dec. 27, 2023, when the officers responded to a large department store at the mall after receiving a report that someone “in a previously reported robbery was attempting to steal merchandise.”

In surveillance footage from that night, Johnson can be seen running away from officers shortly after he allegedly robbed a Target at Southeast Washington Street. Officers say Johnson left with items in hand, wearing headphones. Moments later, three officers opened fire on Johnson.

Although paramedics responded to the scene, Johnson died before he could be taken to the hospital. Police said Johnson had an active warrant for his arrest and that a gun was found near him after he died. 

The three officers involved in the shooting are currently on paid administrative leave.