Manhunt For Sandy Shooting Death Suspect Encompassing Wide Area

Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies want residents to know that they are out in force, attempting to locate the homicidal shooting suspect Near Sandy‏.

(SANDY, Ore.) - Clackamas County Sheriff's were called out to a reported shooting incident at a residence on E. Fernwood Circle, approximately 8 miles east of the City of Sandy, in rural Clackamas County today at 3:15 p.m.

Sheriff's Office Spokesman Det. Jim Strovink, says responding Clackamas deputies soon learned the identity of the shooter, believed responsible for the shooting death of a 66-year old female victim at a residence on E. Fernwood Circle who has not yet been identified.

"The suspect is alleged to have shot this victim with a large caliber rifle and immediately fled the scene of the shooting incident on foot, armed with this weapon," Strovink said.

41-year old Michael Scott Bighaus; who is a described transient and has been known by family to camp in the vicinity of E. Fernwood Circle, in the Sandy area. Bighaus was last observed wearing a baseball cap, a red sweater with a large star and blue jeans.

Bighaus is a white male, 6', 160 lbs., with brown short hair, hazel eyes and a slight beard.

Bighaus is a Clackamas County Corrections client and has an existing misdemeanor arrest warrant for absconding. He has prior arrests for driving under the influence, burglary and criminal mischief.

Michael Bighaus is reported by a family member to have a mental disorder and is believed to have not been taking his prescribed medication for his existing condition.

No motive has been determined as yet for this unfortunate shooting incident, which resulted in the death of this 66-year-old woman.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office personnel responded in force to secure a wide perimeter around the crime scene location, Strovink said.

"Recognizing this suspect was reported to have fled the residence/crime scene with a large caliber rifle, Sheriff's Office personnel closed all lanes of travel along this portion of State Hwy 26."

Strovink says the closure was conducted to help ensure the safety of motorists and to enable law enforcement the most efficient means of conducting an immediate and thorough search of the area.

At the present time, this closure of State Hwy 26, near E. Fernwood Circle, is expected to remain in effect until at least 11:00 p.m. this evening.

As time progressed, SWAT personnel combed through the area seeking the suspect, according to Strovink.

"An additional objective was to secure the crime scene, to allow Clackamas County Sheriff's detectives and forensic technicians access to the scene for processing. In addition, Forensic Technicians representing the Oregon State Crime Lab have been alerted and are expected to respond to the scene to aid in this death investigation."

It is also reported at the time of this shooting incident on E. Fernwood Circle, the residence was occupied by a total of three individuals.

These individuals are identified as the suspect, the deceased victim, and an additional male subject, the reporting party, known to all the occupants.

"Residents in the area of E. Fernwood Circle can be assured of a strong law enforcement presence to be provided by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, while the manhunt continues for this suspect identified as Michael Scott Bighaus," Strovink said.