A Venezuelan national, suspected of gang affiliations, who was shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers during a confrontation on January 8 in Portland, had previously been connected to a shooting incident several months earlier.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office informed Fox News Digital that deputies were dispatched in response to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in unincorporated Washington County in July 2025. While no injuries occurred, the suspects managed to escape before law enforcement arrived.
Residents of the normally tranquil area expressed their surprise over the incident. One local, Justin Pitones, recounted to KGW8 that he was at home when he heard the sound of shattering glass, followed by the sight of sheriff’s deputies moving through his yard with their weapons drawn.
Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, the individual involved, was later apprehended for allegedly attempting to use a vehicle as a weapon against ICE authorities in Portland, Oregon.
“It happened in broad daylight, which was particularly unsettling,” Pitones remarked. “This is usually a quiet neighborhood.” He added that law enforcement later explained the situation as a “deal gone bad,” a scenario that residents never anticipated would lead to a federal shooting months later.
“It was broad daylight. That was kind of the weird part,” Pitones said. “This is a quiet neighborhood.” He said officers later described the incident to him as “a deal gone bad,” adding that neighbors never expected it would escalate into a federal shooting months later.
Detectives later identified Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, who is now charged in the CBP case, as a person of interest in the July shooting. Because the investigation spanned multiple jurisdictions and potentially included federal violations, the case was referred to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where it remains active.
Authorities declined further comment, directing additional questions to federal investigators. Portland police also declined to comment beyond statements made during recent news conferences.
A damaged Border Patrol vehicle that was struck by Luis Moncada during an attempted arrest, authorities said. (Justice Department)
The July shooting adds new context to the Jan. 8 confrontation, when CBP officers attempted to stop Zambrano-Contreras and her husband, Luis Nino-Moncada, in Portland.
Federal prosecutors say Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras, described as having ties to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, were inside a Toyota Tacoma when Border Patrol agents moved to conduct a targeted traffic stop.
Prosecutors allege Nino-Moncada, who entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was subject to a final order of removal, refused to exit the vehicle and instead reversed with force into a Border Patrol vehicle, causing significant damage and repeatedly striking it in forward and reverse motions.
Portland police officers in riot gear detain protesters during a demonstration near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility Jan. 8, 2026, in Portland, Ore. Police said six people were arrested during the protest. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Fearing for their safety, a Border Patrol agent opened fire, striking both suspects, prosecutors allege.
During questioning, Moncada allegedly admitted he intentionally rammed the CBP vehicle in an attempt to flee. Both suspects were treated for gunshot wounds and later charged with federal offenses.
The Justice Department said there was no body-worn camera video from the six Border Patrol agents involved, and efforts to locate video of the confrontation through surveillance cameras or social media were unsuccessful.
Prosecutors highlighted Moncada’s immigration history and criminal background, including prior arrests for driving under the influence and unauthorized use of a vehicle, noting he had been released into the country by the Biden administration despite his status. Zambrano-Contreras also entered the United States illegally in 2023 and is accused of playing an active role in a Tren de Aragua-linked prostitution ring.
The Portland shooting came just days after a controversial and fatal ICE agent-involved shooting in Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed during a separate immigration enforcement operation. Federal officials said Good was shot after she allegedly attempted to weaponize her vehicle against ICE agents.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
