A couple was shot in Portland after an incident in which they allegedly attempted to hit a federal agent with their vehicle

Federal Agents Shoot Couple in Portland After Vehicle Incident: Full Report
Overview of the Incident

On January 8, 2026, federal law enforcement officers shot and wounded a man and woman in Portland, Oregon, during an encounter that authorities say began with a “targeted vehicle stop” and escalated when the vehicle’s driver allegedly attempted to use his truck against agents.

According to official accounts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Border Patrol agents were engaged in a law enforcement operation when they encountered the vehicle in the parking lot of a medical office complex near Southeast Main Street in the Hazelwood neighborhood. When the occupants failed to comply and — in DHS’s description — “weaponized” the truck in a way that threatened the agents’ safety, one agent fired at the vehicle.

Both the driver and passenger were shot — the man in the arm and the woman in the chest — and then drove away from the original location. They were later found with gunshot wounds by responding Portland police officers several blocks away near Northeast Burnside Street, who provided aid and called for medical help.

What Happened According to Official Accounts
Targeted Stop and Alleged Vehicle Maneuvering

Authorities say the encounter began when Border Patrol agents attempted a targeted stop of a vehicle as part of an ongoing enforcement action. DHS later identified the man and woman as Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, both Venezuelan nationals alleged to have ties to the transnational gang Tren de Aragua.

Officials say that when agents identified themselves and attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to comply. According to federal prosecutors and court filings, the driver placed his truck in reverse and struck an unoccupied Border Patrol vehicle with enough force to cause significant damage. He reportedly continued moving forward and backward, repeatedly striking the agent vehicle, leading agents to fear he might target law enforcement personnel directly.

It was at that point that one of the Border Patrol agents fired their weapon. The DHS characterized the shooting as an act of self-defense, saying the agent feared for his safety and the safety of others. The couple then left the scene and later called 911 for help.

Medical Response and Law Enforcement Arrival

Portland police were first alerted to a shooting in the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street just after 2:15 p.m. local time. When officers arrived, federal agents were already gone from the initial scene. Moments later, officers received a 911 call from the couple, who had driven to a nearby location and reported they had been shot.

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