Police are investigating the shooting death of a man in Hermiston early Saturday morning.
According to the Hermiston Police Department, a report of a shooting was made around 2:31 a.m. on Saturday. The incident occurred at 525 S.W. 13th Place. The first officer arrived and found James John Cragun, 38, non-responsive. He began CPR and when EMS arrived a few minutes later, they took over resuscitation efforts, but the victim died at the scene.
Cragun lived at the address on 13th Place.
Cpt. Travis Eynon of the Hermiston Police Department said investigators are looking Tyree Houfmuse, who is being described as a person of interest. Enyon said Houfmuse, 34, is an African American adult male about 6’1” and approximately 200-240 pounds.
“Mr. Houfmuse has several tattoos including a large rose on the left side of his neck/throat area,” said Eynon. “If you know his whereabouts please call the Hermiston Police Department at (541) 567-5519.”
Eynon said many details are not being shared publicly at this time in an effort to help maintain the integrity of the investigation.
“This appears to be an isolated incident involving people who are known to each other,” Eynon said. “We do not have any information to lead us to believe there is any further danger to the public.”
This investigation is being led by the Hermiston Police Department and assisted by the Major Crime Team representing several agencies. The agencies assisting are Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla Police Department, Boardman Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department and the Oregon State Police.
