GRESHAM, Ore. — Police have arrested a man who they believe shot a 29-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son at a
Gresham apartment complex last month.
Nakiem Brown, 23, of Portland, was arrested on Friday and charged with eight counts of attempted aggravated murder, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit murder, burglary, and felon in possession of a firearm.
In court on Monday, Brown pleaded not guilty. His bail is set at $3 million.
Police said Brown shot Cherie Thompson and her son, Lamar Horsley, on May 22. The shooting occurred shortly before 5 a.m. near Northeast 183rd Avenue and Wasco Street.
In the days following the shooting, police characterized it as a targeted attack.
Neighbors heard the gunfire, but one said that’s not an unusual occurrence in the neighborhood.
“I heard three loud gunshots, then I heard about a dozen, like somebody was trying to silence them,” said Ed Galberth, who has lived in the area for 30 years. “But, like I say, in this neighborhood it’s not uncommon to have gunshots two to three times a week.”
Gresham police records show that from January 2016 through May 2017, they responded to 10 calls for shots fired along North 183rd Avenue, from Pacific Court to Halsey. It’s a distance of a half-mile.
Neighbor Barbara Scott said she is praying for the boy and the neighborhood.
“That’s awful,” she said. “God create a miracle for that little boy.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Gresham police. Tips can be made anonymously.
© 2017 KGW-TV
