Umatilla council orders police subcommittee, seeks quick lighting and camera options after series of neighborhood shootings

Umatilla City Council members moved on a request from residents to address a string of shootings and property damage, voting to refer the matter to the council’s police subcommittee and to request quick-cost estimates for retrofitting street lighting and evaluating cameras. The action followed multiple public comments from neighborhood residents describing shots fired, damaged vehicles and personal safety fears.

The discussion matters because residents said the incidents occurred in alleys near playgrounds and yards, and they pressed the council for immediate steps to restore public safety. Council members said the city’s limited staffing and aging infrastructure constrain short-term options but asked staff to pursue quick, interim measures while longer-term capital work is planned.

During public comment, Glenn Bradley of 732 J Street said his neighborhood had “about 40 rounds” recovered recently and that children use nearby fields. Jeff Cashman of 830 Eighth Street told council “I had 20 rounds alone in my shops” and that a bullet struck his wife’s car. Val Bradley said parts of the neighborhood are “very dark” and urged…