Portland Father Allegedly Shoots 3-Year-Old Son In Head; Child Critical

A 46-year-old Portland man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting his 3-year-old son in the head with a high-powered pellet rifle.

The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office said the pellet penetrated the boy's skull, leaving him in critical condition. The child was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and had to undergo emergency surgery, reported Oregon Live.

Authorities said the suspect, Shane Earl Rader, of Newberg, unlawfully entered a home the child was sharing with his mother Tuesday morning. He then got into a violent altercation with the woman and threatened to kill the whole family. Amid the melee, Rader shot the boy in the head in front of his mother and 6-year-old brother.

Just hours before the incident, police had arrested Radar based on a complaint from the child's mother.

She said Rader broke into her house Tuesday early morning and they had a fight over a domestic matter. The woman called 911 after she sustained injuries on her elbow. When police interviewed him, Rader denied physically assaulting her. He was arrested but released after he posted $7,000. He returned to the home after his release and shot the boy, police said.

By the time officers with the Newberg-Dundee Police and the sheriff's deputies arrived at the house, Rader had fled the scene on a dark-colored van, taking the victim and his brother with him. Ten minutes later, Rader dropped both children off at the Providence Newberg Medical Center emergency room and fled again.

Rader was spotted on Parrett Mountain Road near Haugen Road minutes later and was detained. His bail was set at over $1 million after Deputy District Attorney Holly Winter requested "increased security."

"[Radar] indicated his intent was to kill them," Winter told KOIN. "We are asking for increased security. He has indicated he has a significant amount of funds so we are asking for the $1 million bail."

He faces several charges, including two counts of attempted aggravated murder, three counts of attempted murder and domestic violence strangulation. Rader is due back in court in July.