In the brisk morning air of October 19, 2018, in Portland, Oregon, the life of 42-year-old Armond Ramoan Harper, a Black male, was tragically cut short. At approximately 9:58 a.m., a call reporting a shooting at the intersection of North Rosa Parks Way and North Albina Avenue sent North Precinct officers rushing to the scene. Upon their arrival, they discovered Harper suffering from a gunshot wound.
Before emergency services could get there, compassionate passersby had already begun to render medical aid.
Harper was swiftly transported by ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries early the next day. The incident was quickly classified as a homicide, prompting an intensive investigation by the Portland Police Bureau. Detectives canvassed the area, speaking with witnesses to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.
From these initial interviews, a description of a potential suspect emerged. Witnesses described a Black male, believed to be in his 20s with a medium build, seen wearing gray or black clothing. This individual was reportedly seen fleeing the scene, heading northbound on North Mississippi Avenue. In an effort to generate leads, the Portland Police Bureau, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, offered a reward of up to $2,500 for any information that would lead to an arrest in the case.
Despite the public appeal for information and the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been announced in the years following Harper's death. The case remains an open and active investigation, a painful unsolved chapter for his family and the community. The search for the person or persons responsible for the death of Armond Ramoan Harper continues, with authorities still urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
