On Friday, April 2, 2021 at approximately 5:15 P.M., Salem Police Officers and Salem Firefighters responded to the 400 block of Ewald Ave. SE on a report of a suicidal man that had injured himself. Firefighters arrived prior to officers and the man threatened them with a firearm. Officers arrived and the man, still armed, confronted them and an officer fired and hit him. Despite lifesaving attempts he was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers or firefighters were injured in the incident. Per standard protocols for the use of deadly physical force, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office has selected the Oregon State Police to lead the investigation. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Salem Police Department directives.
