Portland, Ore. - Portland police have apprehended a suspect involved in an armed standoff in the Centennial neighborhood, who is also believed to be connected to a recent shooting death in the city. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jessie Garza III, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

On December 14, Richard Newman, 58, tragically lost his life after being shot inside an apartment on Southeast Bush Street. Despite immediate medical attention, Newman succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) initiated a thorough investigation and through their diligent efforts, they gathered information pointing to Garza as the prime suspect in the case.

Garza was successfully located by law enforcement on December 28. However, he attempted to evade arrest by fleeing in a vehicle. During the pursuit, Garza reportedly brandished a handgun, and a confrontation with officers ensued. Garza fired shots at the officers before fleeing into an apartment, where the standoff unfolded.

For approximately four tense hours, law enforcement engaged in negotiations with Garza, urging him to surrender peacefully. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, Garza conceded and was taken into custody without further incident.

The PPB has indicted Garza on several charges, including first-degree murder, coercion with a firearm, burglary with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon. It is believed that Garza is directly responsible for the shooting death of Richard Newman.

The arrest and subsequent charges against Garza have provided some relief to Newman's grieving family, who were promptly notified by the police regarding the developments in the case.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward. Detective Steve Gandy can be reached at Stephen.Gandy@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0449, and Detective Jeff Pontius can be contacted at Jeffery.Pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0433. Please reference case number 23-321878 when providing any relevant details.

As the legal proceedings progress, the Portland community mourns the loss of Richard Newman while cautiously hopeful that justice will be served in his tragic and senseless death.