PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two students were injured after a shooting near Jefferson High School Tuesday afternoon, according to Portland Public Schools.
In a statement, PPS said “there were shots fired today near Jefferson High School soon after dismissal time. At this time, we are aware of injuries to two students, both non-life-threatening.”
The Portland Police Bureau said the shooting took place near the school’s gym just before 4 p.m. — leaving a male student hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the leg. They received reports a female student may have been grazed by a bullet but are still working to confirm those initial reports.
The school district added that the scene is “stabilized,” and students on campus were released to their parents at the Kerby Street exit.
Portland police taped off the crime scene along North Commercial Avenue and Killingsworth for about two hours.
Charles Coleman, who witnessed the incident, told KOIN 6 News that he heard a succession of gunshots — estimating four or five shots were fired.
“It was pretty rapid, like a staccato ‘pop, pop, pop,’” Coleman said
Evidence markers show at least 3 bullets hit the building.
Two students were injured in a shooting near Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. (KOIN) 
Two students were injured after a shooting near Jefferson High School Tuesday afternoon, according to Portland Public Schools. October 18, 2022 (Courtesy Portland Police Bureau). 
Two students were injured after a shooting near Jefferson High School Tuesday afternoon, according to Portland Public Schools. October 18, 2022 (KOIN).
“The moment I came out. Did I hear the pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, you know? And the kids started rushing inside. At first, I thought it was firecrackers, but then I listened, and I realized it was gunshots,” Coleman said.
In the immediate moments after the gunfire, Coleman said he was nervous trying to get in his car for safety when he noticed a suspicious vehicle.
“And then there was one car that did not react as if they were in a panic, just kind of roll up slowly…. and the car rolled up and then took off,” Coleman said.
“It’s very concerning when violence like this affects our kids. I’m just grateful there was no loss of life today,” said Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell. “I know our investigators will continue to review any information and I urge anyone who knows anything to come forward.”
PPB said no arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Portland Police Bureau at 503-823-3333 and refer to case # 22-280110.
This is a developing story.
