Update: Investigators Identify Person Who Shot at Deputy

On October 10, 2023, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office were involved in a vehicle pursuit with a 2016 Kia Sorento. One of the occupants in the vehicle fired a gun at one of the deputies during the pursuit. The driver of the vehicle, 27-year-old Zachary Phillips, and 30-year-old James Tijerina, who was also in the vehicle, were arrested and lodged in the Washington County Jail. The gun used to shoot at the deputy during the pursuit was found the following day during the investigation.  

James Tijerina was a passenger in the Kia and was determined to have shot at the pursuing deputy. Tijerina is currently lodged in the Washington County Jail and facing multiple charges, including:  

• Attempted Murder in the First Degree with a Firearm 
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm 
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm  
• False Information to a Police Officer
• Multiple Oustanding Warrants for Failing to Appear in the 1st Degree  
• Supplying Contraband – into a correctional facility 
• Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) – Substantial Quantity  

While Tijerina was being booked into the Washington County Jail, deputies discovered Tijerina concealed two bags of suspected Fentanyl pills on his person. Tijerina was later charged with possession of a controlled substance and supplying contraband into a correctional facility.  

The investigation remains active and ongoing.  

The Washington County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community of Gaston, which was affected by the pursuit and subsequent search for Phillips on the morning of October 10th. 

Update: Deputies Locate Gun Believed To Be Used To Shoot at a Deputy
October 11, 2023 

On October 10, 2023, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office were involved in a vehicle pursuit with a 2016 Kia Sorento. One of the occupants in the vehicle fired a gun at one of the deputies during the pursuit. The driver of the vehicle, 27-year-old Zachary Phillips, and 30-year-old James Tijerina, who was also in the vehicle, were arrested and lodged in the Washington County Jail. The gun used to shoot at the deputy during the pursuit was not found during the investigation that took place on the same day.

The investigation continued the next day, October 11, 2023, with investigators searching fields off Hwy. 47, where the vehicle pursuit took place. During the search, they found a handgun that they believe was used to shoot at the pursuing deputy on October 10.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community of Gaston, which was affected by the pursuit and subsequent search for Phillips on the morning of October 10th.

Deputies Arrest Suspect in High-Speed Chase After Gunfire Incident
October 10, 2023

At 3:48 am on October 10, 2023, a deputy from the Washington County Sheriff's Office tried to pull over a 2016 Kia Sorento. Instead of stopping, the car accelerated and fled at high speed toward the city of Gaston. During the chase, one of the three occupants in the car fired a gun at the pursuing deputy. The car reached speeds of over 100 mph, but the deputies were able to utilize spike strips to puncture some of its tires. The car eventually stopped at the intersection of Hwy 47 and East Main Street in Gaston after the chase.

The driver, 27-year-old Zachary Phillips, ran away on foot while the other two occupants stayed inside the car and were arrested. Phillips attempted to carjack someone from the community but was unsuccessful.

For the safety of the community, the deputies used a reverse 911 system through the Washington County Consolidated Communication Agency (WCCCA) and requested that the Gaston community members shelter in place.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, searched for Phillips for several hours. At 7:25 am, Phillips was spotted running near the Gaston Fire Station by a deputy who was patrolling the area. He was taken into custody by several deputies and an Oregon State Trooper.

Phillips was treated for minor injuries at the scene and then transported to the Washington County Jail. He was detained on outstanding warrants and several new charges, including felony elude, misdemeanor elude, reckless driving, and two counts of reckless endangering another person.

Detectives are still actively investigating the carjacking incident involving Phillips, and additional charges could be forthcoming.

One of the passengers in the vehicle, 30-year-old James Tijerina, was arrested on several outstanding warrants. Another passenger was in the vehicle but was not arrested.

The gun used during the pursuit has not been found. If you have any information about the gun, please call 503 629-0111 to speak with a deputy.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Oregon State Police, WCCCA, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Forest Grove Police, Gaston Fire Department, Tigard Police Department, and Hillsboro Police Department for their assistance during the incident.