In a tragic turn of events, a 47-year-old Oregon man lost his life while attempting to thwart a purse-snatching incident. Jonathan Trent was shopping at a Fred Meyer grocery store in the Hazelwood neighborhood of northeast Portland on January 13 when he encountered the robbery taking place outside the store. Gunshots were heard, and by 3:50 p.m., police officers found Trent in the parking lot. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, are now in custody at a juvenile detention center, facing charges of murder and robbery. The identities of the teenagers have not been disclosed at this time.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by a family friend to support Trent’s son and mother. The fundraiser describes Trent as a man of “warmth, kindness, and joy” who was a constant source of positivity and inspiration in his community. His untimely death has left a significant void in the hearts of those who knew him.
According to law enforcement, Trent was leaving the store when he witnessed the purse-snatching. He attempted to intervene and was fatally shot. The exact location of the robbery has not been disclosed by the police.
Mike Benner, a spokesman for the Police Bureau, expressed his condolences to Trent’s family and friends. He lamented the tragic circumstances, stating that Trent had merely gone to the grocery store for a quick errand and should have returned home safely.
The suspects are believed to have shot Trent as they fled the crime scene. One of the alleged perpetrators, the 16-year-old boy, is reportedly known to law enforcement and is also facing charges related to a series of four robberies that took place earlier in January.
Another shopper discovered Trent as she and her husband were leaving the store. Fred Meyer staff and a small crowd of people quickly gathered around him. Despite attempts to check for injuries, it was too late, and Trent was no longer responsive.
In an update to the GoFundMe campaign, Trent’s mother expressed her gratitude to those who have donated and shared their heartfelt condolences. She wrote, “We miss Jon. Justin misses his dad and best friend.”