Portland Police Name Man Killed By Officer In Hostage Situation

PORTLAND, OR – Portland Police say that the man shot and killed during a hostage situation was 30-year-old Samuel Rice of Portland. They say that Rice was shot as he held his girlfriend hostage at the Del Rancho Motel on Southeast 82nd Avenue.

Officers had responded there on Wednesday morning after receiving a report that two people – one of whom had a knife – were fighting.

Rice was shot after police had contacted Rice, telling him to let the woman go and exit the room. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts

Police say that he refused to do so and threatened her life.

The officer who fired the shot is Officer Kelly VanBlokland, a 24-year-veteran of the bureau who works the Special Emergency Reaction Team.

VanBlockland is now on administrative duty while the investigation continues.

Police say that they had several interactions with Rice in the past.

Recently, officers from the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit had reached out to Rice and his girlfriend, offering them services. Police say that the two declined the offer.

Officers have transported Rice to area hospitals several times in the past for what police say was treatment of perceived mental illness.

The investigation into the shooting continues.

Photo via Portland Police.