Two Teenagers Injured in Late-Night Shooting Near Converted Boeing 727 Home
Two teenagers sustained injuries and a third minor was taken into custody following a shooting incident that occurred near a uniquely converted Boeing 727 home in the woods of Hillsboro, Oregon. The event unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning, drawing a substantial response from multiple law enforcement agencies across Washington County.
Large-Scale Police Response to Woodland Incident
Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene on Southwest Holly Hill Road, just outside Portland, around midnight on Saturday. They received assistance from officers representing the Forest Grove, Beaverton, Tigard, Sherwood, and Cornelius police departments, as well as the Oregon State Police, highlighting the coordinated effort to secure the area.
Deputy Shannon Wilde, a spokesperson for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, confirmed to local media that the shooting involved minors. While Wilde provided limited additional details, she stated that the injured victims were transported to a local hospital and are anticipated to make a full recovery. The identities of both the victims and the suspect currently in custody have not been publicly released at this time.
Shooting Occurs Near Unique Tourist Attraction and Venue
The shooting took place in proximity to a decommissioned Boeing 727 aircraft that has been converted into a residential home and functions as a tourist destination. The property is owned by Bruce Campbell, a retired electrical engineer and pilot, who began transforming the aircraft into a dwelling in 1999. Campbell has resided there part-time for over 25 years, spending the other half of the year in Japan.
Police blocked access to the aircraft on Sunday as investigations continued at the crime scene. Tourists arriving at the site were reportedly shocked to learn of the violent incident that had occurred the night before. Rhianna Willard, a visitor from Portland, Maine, expressed her surprise, stating, 'In the middle of the woods, a lot can happen. A shooting was definitely not what I expected.'
Property Owner Reacts from Abroad, Considers Stricter Rules
Bruce Campbell, communicating from Japan, informed reporters that individuals currently staying at the property suggested the shooting might be linked to a party taking place near the aircraft. Campbell noted that while he permits parties on the grounds, alcohol and firearms are strictly prohibited. He described the incident as 'entirely contrary' to the positive environment he strives to maintain.
Reflecting on the tragic event, Campbell indicated he may need to implement more stringent regulations for events held at the venue. Potential new rules could include age restrictions and requiring hosts to pay for security services to prevent future incidents. 'Nobody wants this. My guess is that most of the kids don’t want it either. It’s a gut punch. It’s horrible,' Campbell told local media.
Background on the Converted Boeing 727 Home
Campbell purchased the 10-acre plot of land in the Portland woods for approximately $23,000 when he was in his early twenties. Initially planning to build a home from freight vans, he later decided an aircraft would be a superior alternative, acquiring the decommissioned Boeing 727 for $100,000. Over several years, he meticulously renovated the plane, creating 1,066 square feet of living space within the cabin and cockpit.
In recent years, Campbell has worked to develop a business model around the unique property, renting it out for events such as concerts, though he admits the venture is still in an 'evolutionary stage.' The converted plane has gained notoriety as both a private residence and an unconventional venue, making the recent shooting incident all the more distressing for the owner and the local community.
