Salem, OR – A 15-year-old from Salem was arrested on Monday after being found with a loaded semiautomatic rifle outside a restaurant in Northeast Portland. The teen, who was walking with a group of other minors, was reported to police at around 11:35 a.m. by a concerned caller who initially mistook the rifle for a replica.
The rifle, which was painted in black and red, was later determined to be a real, .223 caliber semiautomatic weapon. Officers apprehended the teen without incident near NE 81st Avenue and Flanders Street. The teenager, who was found in possession of the fully loaded firearm, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and a probation violation from a previous case.
The rifle was seized by police and will undergo forensic testing. The suspect was booked into the Multnomah County Juvenile Detention Facility.
No injuries were reported during the incident. Police have not disclosed additional details about the teen’s identity or prior legal issues. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.
