Portland, Ore. – In a dramatic courtroom decision, a jury on Monday found Christian Daniel Fitz-Henry guilty of two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree after he attempted to kill two Portland Police sergeants in 2021.
The conviction also includes two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Interfering with a Peace Officer.
Fitz-Henry was already a wanted fugitive linked to a fatal robbery that occurred on October 1, 2021. Weeks later, on November 13, law enforcement received intelligence that he was planning another robbery. Acting swiftly, officers tracked him to a hotel where he was staying with his girlfriend. As they attempted to flee, police deployed spike strips, forcing their vehicle to a stop. Fitz-Henry took off running in one direction while his girlfriend ran in another.
During the pursuit, Fitz-Henry entered a narrow driveway between two buildings. Portland Police Sergeants Kimberly Hubbard and John Billard followed in their patrol car. As they approached, Fitz-Henry opened fire, shooting three times with a .45 caliber handgun from a distance of just 30 feet. The shots continued as their vehicle rolled forward, closing the gap to 15 feet.
Miraculously, neither officer was injured in the attack.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day condemned the violent assault, emphasizing how close the officers came to serious harm. “This reckless act could have easily ended in tragedy,” he stated. “I am grateful for the dedication of our investigators and the District Attorney’s Office in ensuring justice was served.”
Fitz-Henry is scheduled for sentencing on April 18 at 3 p.m.
This conviction marks a significant victory for law enforcement, sending a strong message about the consequences of violent crimes against officers.
