A 25-year-old Hermiston male was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound Monday night when firefighters were called to a structure fire on S.W. 11th Street.
Around 8:11 p.m., the Umatilla County Fire District 1 responded to a report of a structure fire at Chateaubri Mobile Home Park located at 1030 S.W. 11th St. Fire personnel arrived on the scene and quickly began to suppress the fire. During an interior search, firefighters located the body of an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. Hermiston Police officers arrived on the scene and began assisting UCFD1.
Officers learned of the 25-year-old’s identification and next of kin have been notified. A handgun was found inside the residence.
Firefighters put out the fire with three engines, one ladder and ambulance, two chief officers and the fire marshal. The Umatilla Fire Department also sent one engine under mutual aid.
When crews arrived, the fire coming from the roof at the back of the single-wide manufactured home. Firefighters were able to remove the victim and also saved a small dog in addition to protecting adjacent homes during the wind-driven fire.
UCFD1 and HPD personnel were still on the scene this morning. UCFD1 is assessing to determine the cause of the fire and HPD is collecting evidence for the arson and death investigation. An autopsy will likely be scheduled for a later date.
