Photo: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
A dramatic standoff unfolded south of Portland when a SWAT team used its armored vehicle to pin a tractor driven by Erik Gordon Shunn, a 53-year-old man accused of firing more than 200 rounds near his Oregon City home. The incident began when deputies responded to reports of gunfire on South Rocky Bluff Lane, finding that Shunn had allegedly shot at tree workers cutting down trees near his property, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Shunn initially fired about 20 rounds at the workers, but no injuries were reported. As deputies arrived, Shunn reportedly escalated the situation by firing additional rounds, including at law enforcement drones overhead. A drone video released by the sheriff’s office captured the moment Shunn shot at the drone and later attempted to use a tractor to build a barricade with downed trees.
During the tense standoff, SWAT officers saw an opportunity when Shunn left his rifle behind and got onto the tractor. They moved in, ramming the tractor and successfully pinning it near the front of his home, allowing officers to arrest him safely. Shunn’s mother was inside the house during the incident but was unharmed.
Shunn was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and has since been booked into the Clackamas County Jail. He faces several charges, including second-degree attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.
Detectives are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and are seeking information from the public. Anyone with details or property damage related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office tip line.