PORTLAND – Speaking for the first time since he was nearly killed along I-205, the Portland choir singer who was found shot in his car in late March said his recovery is going well, but he’s eager for police to find the shooter.
“As the weeks progress, I feel more and more confident and happy,” Brian Tierney said.
Sitting close by his side, Brian's wife, Katie described his recovery from multiple gunshots “a miracle.”
The shooter is still out there, and police released a new detail in their investigation Thursday. They said a black Cadillac Escalade SUV or similar vehicle was spotted along I-205 around the time of the shooting and they want to know more about it. The suspect vehicle had large chrome rims, low profile tires and tinted windows. (Photo above is similar to SUV described by police.)
Police said anyone who saw an SUV matching that description driving erratically on southbound I-205 before or after 10 p.m. on March 28 should contact investigators and their tips will remain anonymous. There is also a $1,000 Crimestoppers reward in the case.
“Whoever did this obviously had problems. I really hope that somebody out there saw something and can come forward,” Tierney said. “Hopefully they can get this person off the road because if it happened to me, it can happen to anyone."
Background: Man shot in car along I-205
Few other details have been released about the shooting. Tierney was found by a passerby on the shoulder of I-205 southbound near Division Street severely bleeding and in critical condition. He had been driving home from choir practice in his blue Chevrolet Cobalt when someone fired at him.
Nearly two months later, Tierney said he has been able to recall a few details about what happened, but police asked him not to elaborate because it could hinder their investigation.
Tierney was rushed to Legacy Emanuel Hospital after the shooting, where he spent several weeks recovering. Thursday, one of his arms was still in a sling and he said he feels better, but is still very weak. He was recently cleared to leave the hospital and recover at home. Since then, Tierney said, his two-year-old daughter hasn’t wanted to leave his side.
When asked how it felt to have him back home, his wife immediately teared up and said “I am so happy ... It’s a miracle [he’s doing so well]. Even the doctors said he’s just a miracle.”
