Man sentenced to prison after shooting at Portland police during traffic stop

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – A man was sentenced to prison on Thursday after shooting at police officers during a traffic stop in Northeast Portland in 2022, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Mattew Leahey, 37, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after entering a guilty plea to two counts of attempted murder, one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of felon in possession of a firearm on Monday.

“I want to thank our FIT members for continuing to do this dangerous but important work, and I’m grateful that they were all able to return home to their families despite this suspect’s actions,” said Deputy Chief Michael Frome. “Their victim impact statements were powerful, and I want to recognize them for what must have been challenging testimony. I would also like to thank the investigators and criminalists who worked tirelessly on this investigation.”

On May 6, 2022, police say officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Focused Intervention Team pulled over Leahey around 9:15 p.m. for multiple violations on Northeast 78th Avenue and Northeast Mason Street.

After Leahey gave officers false information and wouldn’t present a driver’s license, one of the officers told Leahey to put his hands on his head while being seated in the car, according to PPB.

Instead of complying, Leahey pulled out a gun and shot at the officer — barely missing his head, authorities said. Leahey then left the car and raised the gun to fire at another officer before he was shot by police. He was then transported to the hospital by ambulance with life-threatening injuries.

The officers involved in the incident have previously been identified as Adi Ramic, a 12-year veteran of the bureau; Michelle Petty, a 5-year veteran; Whitney Anderson, a 3-year veteran; and John Bartlett, a 5-year veteran.

No officers were injured in the shooting.

“This was an incredibly dangerous situation in a residential neighborhood where families live,” Deputy Chief Frome previously said. “I’m so grateful that the officers and community members are okay. It highlights not only the danger officers face each day as they work to keep the community safe but underscores the importance of addressing our gun violence problem.”

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