SALEM, OR — A man was shot and killed by Salem police officers after a foot chase through an apartment complex on the Salem-Keizer border late Wednesday morning. The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. near the Laurel Gate Court Apartments at 3355 River Rd. N.
According to a statement released by the Salem Police Department, officers were pursuing a wanted male suspect on foot when he fled into the apartment complex. Police said the man was armed with a handgun as he ran toward a residential unit. The statement did not specify what charges the suspect was facing or whether he had brandished the firearm during the pursuit.
As officers confronted the suspect, shots were fired. The suspect was struck by gunfire and, despite efforts by responding officers to provide life-saving measures, was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.
A large police presence was seen at the scene, with at least 20 police vehicles stationed around the apartment complex. Officers from several local agencies responded to the situation, which remained active for nearly two hours following the shooting.
The names of the suspect and the officers involved have not been released as of yet. As per standard procedure, the Oregon State Police will conduct an independent investigation into the incident. In accordance with Marion County policy, any officers involved in the use of deadly force or who witnessed the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation takes place.
The shooting is being investigated under the Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan, which mandates an outside agency handle the investigation in such cases. Updates on the investigation will be provided by the Oregon State Police in the coming days.
This marks the latest police-involved shooting in the region, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under scrutiny as officials work to gather more information.
