Doug Bufkin attempts CPR on man who was injured by alleged knife wound; suspect hero.
Witnesses who saw the alleged homicide Wednesday, May 4, at a workplace in unincorporated Clackamas County said the scene was chaotic.
Doug Bufkin, an off-duty nurse with Oregon Health & Science University who tried to save the victim’s life, said he was at a gymnastics studio with his son when he noticed a commotion next door.
“I saw a bunch of people running around,” he told KOIN 6 News.
Bufkin said he saw a man who appeared to be stabbed lying between the parking lot and a nearby shop, and his training kicked in. He said he thought, “This is the only thing I can do. I have to help because I’m trained to do this.”
Officials identified the victim as 60-year-old John Barnett of Vancouver, Washington. Police have not identified the workplace where Barnett allegedly was attacked, nor have they confirmed he was stabbed.
Bufkin used CPR techniques on Barnett until deputies got to the scene around 11 am May 4 near the 1500 block of Southeast For Mor Court, and they took over. Barnett did not survive.
“I didn’t have any other way to resuscitate him, and I wanted to make sure to help in any way I could,” Bufkin said.
“Mr. Barnett’s family deeply appreciates all the hard work and heroic efforts of the people, co-workers, medical professionals and everyone who endeavored to save John,” said a spokesperson for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said they found the suspect a short distance away from the scene of the crime, but he also was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital in a Life Flight helicopter.
Police have identified a suspect as 27-year-old Cesar Farfan-Martinez, who has been charged with second-degree murder. According to police, Farfan-Martinez was released from the hospital and lodged at Clackamas County Jail where he is being held without bail.
“I just hope things stop being so violent out there soon,” Bufkin said.
CCSO is conducting the investigation and is seeking additional information in this case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form. Please reference CCSO Case No. 22-010099.
KOIN 6 News contributed to this report.
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