CLATSKANIE, Ore. — A dispute that escalated into a fatal shooting on Saturday in Clatskanie resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including the shooter, and left three others wounded, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the gunman as 32-year-old Anthony Hanson, who opened fire inside a residence on IImari Road during the incident. The violent altercation claimed the life of 28-year-old Molly Cassidy at the scene and seriously injured three others.
The sheriff’s office reported that 21-year-old Ryan Thies, among the injured, retaliated during the shooting, ultimately leading to Hanson’s death. The precise nature of the argument that led to the tragic confrontation remains under investigation.
Surviving victims Patrick McKenzie, 25, Renato Pascoal, 28, and Thies were promptly transported to local hospitals. Thies, who sustained critical injuries, was airlifted by Life Flight. The current medical status of the wounded has not been disclosed.
The link between the individuals involved in the shooting has yet to be established, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The investigation is active, with law enforcement conducting a detailed examination of the scene and interviewing witnesses.
Sheriff Brian Pixley expressed gratitude towards neighboring law enforcement agencies, including the Oregon State Police and the police departments of St. Helens, Scappoose, and Rainier, for their cooperation and assistance in the ongoing inquiry.
“We are committed to providing a comprehensive review of all the evidence,” Pixley stated, underscoring the intent to illuminate the factors that precipitated the violence.
Further developments and insights into the case will be made available as authorities continue to piece together the events that led up to the calamity. The community waits as the investigation unfolds, hoping for answers and justice in the wake of the violence that disrupted the quiet, rural town.