Suspect charged with murder after man dies in Tigard parking lot shooting

TIGARD, Ore. (KPTV) - A man died in a shooting in a parking lot in Tigard early Saturday morning, and a suspect has been arrested, according to the Tigard Police Department.

Police said just after 1 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a shared parking lot in the 13000 block of Southwest Pacific Highway. A 911 caller reported someone shot a man and then drove away. When officers arrived, they found a man, later identified as 27-year-old Nico Merritt, dead.

A description of the suspect’s vehicle was provided. When responding to the call, officers saw a vehicle matching the description heading northbound on SW Pacific Highway. After a short chase, they stopped the vehicle on Southwest Main Street near Southwest Scoffins Street. Two people inside the car were detained, and one, 32-year-old Yabets Ayele of Forest Grove, was identified as the suspect.

Ayele was charged with murder and is also facing charges of attempting to elude and driving with a suspended license. Tigard police are asking anyone who was in the area of 99W between Walnut and Park around 1 a.m. Saturday and may have seen or heard something connected with this investigation, to call their tip line at 503-718-COPS or email tips@tigard-or.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.