Grants Pass Officers Shoot Suspect Accused of Pistol-Whipping Victim and Pointing Gun at Police
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A suspect brandishing a firearm who was shot by police after fleeing from officers after allegedly attempting to break into a vehicle in the 1600 block of NE 6th Street, Grants Pass, on Friday is still in the hospital.
As Grants Pass Police officers responded to reports of a male attempting to break into a vehicle yesterday at approximately 7:09 a.m., the suspect displayed a firearm and pistol-whipped the victim’s head before fleeing on foot, running south on NE 7th Street.
A man matching the suspect’s description on Midland Avenue, just west of NE 7th Street, was seen by responding officers in clearly marked Grants Pass Police patrol vehicles en route to the crime scene.
The man pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with what they perceived to be an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms.
The officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm to members of the public following the reported armed assault that had occurred moments earlier. The suspect sustained multiple injuries. Investigators are still working to identify the suspect.
- 7:09 a.m. : Police respond to reported vehicle break in.
- Moments later : Victim is allegedly struck with a firearm.
- Suspect flees south toward NE 7th Street.
- Midland Avenue : Officers encounter armed man.
- Three officers fire after the man allegedly points a gun.
- Immediately afterward : Officers provide medical aid.
Immediately after the shooting, the involved patrol officers rendered emergency medical aid to the suspect and continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue.
The suspect was taken to Rogue Regional Medical Center for medical treatment, where he is still receiving medical care.
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting has been assigned to the Oregon State Police, who are assisted by the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.