Inset: Jonathan Trent (GoFundMe). Background: The Fred Meyer where Trent was shot and killed (Google Maps).
An Oregon man died trying to stop a purse-snatching, and now two teenagers are behind bars, according to police in the Beaver State.
Jonathan Trent, 47, was shopping at the Fred Meyer grocery store on Northeast 102nd Avenue in the Hazelwood neighborhood of northeast Portland on Jan. 13 when he happened upon the mugging outside, according to the Portland Police Department.
Then, the gunshots rang out.
By 3:50 p.m., officers arrived to find Trent in the parking lot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Now, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old boy are being held in a juvenile lockup on charges of murder and robbery, police say. The teenagers are not being further identified as of this writing.
A GoFundMe for Trent’s son and mother was started by a family friend.
“Jon was a man of warmth, kindness, and joy who brought light to everyone around him,” the fundraiser reads. “He was a constant presence at the pool, supporting Justin and inspiring our community with his positivity and generous spirit. His loss has left a profound void in our hearts and in the lives of those who knew him.”
Police believe Trent was on his way out of the store when he witnessed the purse-snatching, tried to intervene, and was subsequently killed, according to The Oregonian. Law enforcement did not say where, exactly, the robbery was taking place.
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“I speak for everyone at the Police Bureau when I say our hearts go out to Mr. Trent’s family and friends,” Police Bureau spokesman Mike Benner said in comments reported by the newspaper. “He went to the grocery store for a quick errand and should’ve returned home but he didn’t.”
The killer or killers are alleged to have shot the would-be hero as they fled the scene of the crime, police say.
At least one of Trent’s alleged killers is said to be known to law enforcement. The 16-year-old boy is also facing charges for a four-robbery spree that occurred in early January, according to police.
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The dying man was discovered by another shopper as she and her husband left the store, one witness told the Oregonian. Fred Meyer staff then rushed out and a small crowd gathered around him.
One person cut Trent’s shirt open to check for injuries — but it was all too late. The man was no longer moving.
“It’s so very, very sad,” the witness told the newspaper.
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In an update to the online fundraiser, Trent’s mother relayed a message thanking all those who have donated so far.
“We miss Jon,” she wrote. “Justin misses his dad and best friend.”
