UPDATE: Hood River Shooter identified; Suspect In Custody
UPDATED: February 3rd, 2023 at 9:56 AM
From Hood River Police:
Hood River Police Officers responded to a call from a man who demanded a police response for what he referred to as a dangerous situation that had the potential to escalate on Feb. 2 around 12:30 p.m.
When Police arrived to meet with the man he explained his son, identified as Simeon Hill, 42, of Hood River, was a combat veteran with access to multiple firearms. The man also advised the officers Simeon had fired a gun in their residence shortly before Police arrived.
As Officers were speaking with the father they heard several gunshots being fired from the area of Hill’s residence, located at 2510 Viento Lane near Dairy Queen. When Officers moved in closer to the residence they could hear several more shots being fired from the residence. Officers reported shots being fired over their heads in the direction of nearby businesses.
Law enforcement evacuated businesses and residences in the area of 20th & Cascade Ave. to Rand & Cascade Ave. The Oregon State Police and Clackamas County SWAT responded to assist local law enforcement.
After several hours of negotiating, Hill emerged from his residence and surrendered to the police. Hill was taken into custody and ultimately transported to a medical facility. Several firearms and ammunition were seized from Hill’s residence. This case will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office for charges including Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering and Disorderly Conduct.
By Cole Goodwin updated at 9:36 a.m. Feb. 3:
Hood River Police Department took a man into custody last night following an hours-long standoff at the apartments south of Dairy Queen near the area of Clearwater Lane, Cascade Avenue in Hood River, OR.
According to police the man is a veteran who was experiencing a mental health crisis. At one point during negotiations, police could be heard telling the man that his doctor wanted him to come out and be safe.
HRPD has lifted evacuation and shelter in place orders which were in affect in the area. Residents and businesses that were asked to evacuate can now return home.
There are no apparent injuries at this time.
“With the help and support of multiple surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies, we were able to bring this incident to a closure,” read a statement from Hood River Police Department.
Timeline of February 2nd, 2023 Events
Update 12:22 p.m.: Shots fired inside a home in that area. Police release a statement alerting citizens that they were engaged in an "active shooter situation.”
Update 12:27 p.m.: People are only allowed to get through the area by Subway (20th Street).
Update 12:30. p.m.: Hood River City Police are evacuating residents from the area. Other residents in the area have been advised to shelter in place and stay away from windows and doors. The general public has been advised to avoid the area and detours are in place on 20th St, Cascade Ave, and Wasco St.
Map of the Affected Area
A map of the effected area.
Update 12:30 p.m. : Westside Elementary School, May Street Elementary School, Hood River Middle School, Hood River Options Academy, Hood River Valley High School, and Nathaniel Coe Administrative Center were placed into Secure Status at approximately 12:30 p.m. today while the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office actively looks for a person in the area.
Secure Status means that all students and staff are inside the building and all outside doors are locked and no one may come into or leave the building. Students and staff are safe inside and conduct business as usual.
This situation is ongoing. At this time, please plan for the regular release time. Please do not come to a school campus until the Secure Status has been lifted.
HRCSD will continue to provide updates as we know more information.
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Update 2:00 p.m.: Secure Status was lifted for lower valley schools
The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Secure Status at 2pm for lower valley schools after law enforcement agencies located and surrounded the suspect. Students will be released from school at the regular dismal time.
We are dedicated to maintaining a strong partnership with families through open communication. As always, the safety of students is the top priority. We have many procedures and policies in place to maintain a safe learning environment for all students. Thank you to our partners in local law enforcement for their commitment to school and community safety.
Update 3:00 p.m.:
A firsthand perspective from evacuees.
A family of five with two young children were eating at Dairy Queen when they heard four or five gunshots.
The family said that at first they weren’t concerned because the shots seemed to be distant.
Then the police arrived.
“The cops came immediately and told us there was an active shooter and to go back into Dairy Queen.
The family, all the customers, and staff were then instructed to enter the kitchen area for safety. They waited together in the kitchen for about an hour before Police escorted them to the designated evacuation point of the Columbia Bank Parking lot nearby.
Evacuees were then asked to wait while police shuttled customer vehicles to the evacuation point.
Don Nunamaker’s office was also evacuated.
Safeway and all businesses in the attached mall are currently closed.
Update 3:30 p.m.: Police are blocking Cascade Avenue from Wasco Street to 20th Street. The entire block was shut down, including the Safeway and its attached stripmall.
A blockade on Cascade Ave and Wasco St, one block west of the area the shooting occured. Photo Credit: Tom Peterson
Update 3:22 p.m.: SWAT arrived. Two patrol cars left in a rush following a hand signal.
Update 4:00 p.m.: Hood River City Police, Portland Police, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Inter-Tribal and Oregon State Police all responded to the scene. There are more than 20 police vehicles on site, including an armored vehicle.
Update 4:30 p.m.: A single loud boom rang through the neighborhood. SWAT negotiators are working to establish communication with the suspect. Police are using a PA to ask the suspect to come out the front door with his hands up.The Sheriff’s office used a public address system to speak to the man, stating they had his father and his doctor wanted him to come out and be safe.
Update 5:15 p.m: The suspect has blockaded themselves in a residence and police from all over the region were still on site attempting to negotiate with the shooter. Police continued to be in a standoff with an active shooter situation.
Update 7:50 p.m. Distraction devices and tear gas are currently being used on site. Citizens should be sure to keep windows closed as easterly winds could carry tear gas into the surrounding area.
Update 9:40 p.m.: Police have taken the suspect into custody.
