PORTLAND, OR — A violent domestic dispute in north Portland escalated when a neighbor intervened, resulting in two men being shot and injured. The incident took place on Friday night in the 6600 block of North Fessenden Street.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the situation began just after 9 p.m. when officers responded to reports of a woman being stabbed multiple times in the arm by her boyfriend. The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries after officers were unable to locate the suspect.

The scenario took another turn shortly before 11 p.m. when police were called back to the same address. A neighbor had attempted to retrieve the injured woman’s dog, accompanied by her own boyfriend. Upon their arrival, they encountered the stabbing suspect, who allegedly threatened the neighbor with a knife.

In an effort to defend herself, the neighbor shot the suspect. Unfortunately, during the confrontation, she also accidentally shot her boyfriend. Both injured men were transported to the hospital with serious injuries but are expected to recover.

The neighbor has surrendered her firearm to the authorities and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.

Thankfully, the neighbor was armed and able to defend herself from the knife-wielding suspect. However, it is extremely unfortunate that she accidentally shot her boyfriend in the process. We don’t know the details of the confrontation—whether there was a scuffle or a fight remains unclear. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of firearm safety rule #4: Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. This rule is vital in ensuring that innocent bystanders are not harmed in the event of a defensive gun use.