(Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Salem police issued a statement saying a man died from injuries suffered in a confrontation with officers early Monday morning. They were otherwise unclear about what happened.
Around 12:37 a.m. Monday, Salem officers tried to pull over a driver in northeast Salem who didn’t stop his car. The man drove to Northgate Park in the 3200 block of northeast Northgate Avenue, where the car was stopped in a field according to a news release.
After police made contact with the man, “a confrontation ensued, and shots were fired,” the news release said.
At least one Salem officer fired their gun. The department did not clarify in the news release what led to the shooting, whether officers shot the man or provide any other details.
Police provided first aid to the man, who was taken to Salem Hospital. He later died of his injuries.
A dog inside the car was also injured, and officers gave the dog first aid. It is unclear how the dog was injured.
Lt. Treven Upkes, Salem police spokesman, said he could not provide any additional information. “It is actually the Marion County district attorney’s investigation, and they have asked the Oregon State Police to conduct it,” he said. “That (information) is what is wanted to go out, and so I can’t provide anything else or any clarification either.”
Amy Queen, Marion County deputy district attorney, declined to comment on the incident.
The Oregon State Police are the primary agency conducting use of a deadly force investigation. An early investigation prompted four Salem officers to be placed on paid administrative leave.
State police did not respond to requests for further information Monday morning.
The state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, the agency tasked with licensing officers and investigating complaints of misconduct, as of Monday morning did not list any recently opened professional standards cases involving Salem officers.
Salem police said in the news release they would not release the man’s name until they notify his family. The department also said they would not release the names of the officers on leave, or any other information about the incident.
The Oregon State Police are expected to provide more information midday Monday.
This is a developing story.
Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.
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