Officer Involved Shooting in Reedsport, July 21

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team, led by Oregon State Police (OSP) Criminal Investigations Division, is continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon’s officer-involved shooting in Reedsport. The man shot by a law enforcement officer is still being treated at a local hospital and no officers present were injured.  Updated information authorized for release indicates on July 17, 2014 at approximately 12:30 p.m., four law enforcement officers (two from Reedsport Police Department and two from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) responded to a reported verbal and physical disturbance at a mobile home park located at 1000 N. Eighth Street in Reedsport.  After arrival, the officers were confronted by an adult male suspect armed with a handgun. Shots were exchanged between the man and law enforcement. The suspect was shot at least once and injured. He was transported to Lower Umpqua Hospital for initial treatment where he is still being treated.  For investigative reasons, including pending interviews, the names of the person shot and the involved officers are still withheld.  Both deputies from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and one Reedsport police officer are on paid administrative leave at this time, which is standard protocol during officer-involved shooting investigations.  The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is represented by investigators from OSP, DCSO, Reedsport Police Department, and Roseburg Police Department. The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is assisting the Major Crimes Team.  Additional information will be released when approved by the investigative team.  Officer-involved shooting investigations can be complex and take several weeks to complete and present to the District Attorney’s office for review. To provide educational outreach to local communities, a video was produced by the Lane County District Attorney office with the assistance of law enforcement and national and regional experts. The 17-minute video provides important details regarding officer-involved shootings and the process used to investigate them. The video may provide useful background for reporters and the public, and it can be viewed via this link: http://bit.ly/q0V69v