Man who harassed peacocks pleads guilty to shooting at man who told him to stop

PORTLAND, Ore. (TCN) -- A judge sentenced a man to 7 1/2 years in prison for shooting at a man who urged the defendant to stop harassing peacocks in the neighborhood.

According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Dylan Levi Rhoads was ordered to spend 90 months in prison following his guilty plea to attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm. Court records show that as part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped eight other counts against him, including assault and criminal mischief.

On Sept. 29, 2023, the victim was leaving his house in southeast Portland to go to work when he saw Rhoads and a second person "harassing peacocks across the street." When the victim told them to stop, Rhoads and his friend reportedly "had a violent response to him saying, 'Bock, bock, bock you next' and 'We can bang right now.'"

The victim went back inside and waited for Rhoads and the other person to drive away. He waited several minutes before leaving his house and getting back in his car. He drove a few blocks but saw Rhoads waiting for him. Rhoads fired multiple shots at the victim, and one bullet grazed him. The district attorney's office said the victim "installed a special, heavy-duty seat in his vehicle which stopped one of the bullets from hitting him."

Investigators reportedly located shell casings in the intersection and bullet marks on the victim's car. They were able to apprehend Rhoads thanks to clear Ring footage that showed his car.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer said following the sentencing, "This defendant had a clear pattern of escalating, dangerous, criminal behavior. And yet he was repeatedly released after being arrested for his earlier crimes. I believe the system failed here — failed both the victims and the defendant."

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