Benton County Deputy Sheriffs and Salem Police Officers Involved in Shooting

The gunfire exchange happened NW Springhill Dr. and NW Independence Highway.

Dark scene where officers gathered in Benton County.

(INDEPENDENCE, OR) - On August 12, 2012, at about 10:30 p.m., Benton County Deputies responded to the report of a man trespassing with a weapon at and address on NW Scenic Ave. Responding officers and deputies were advised the suspect was leaving the residence in a car that was possibly stolen.

Deputies located the described vehicle and attempted to stop the driver, but he refused to stop. The driver attempted to elude police, but eventually crashed near the intersection of NW Springhill Dr. and NW Independence Highway. The driver fled on foot and hid in the area adjacent to the crash.

Responding officers initiated a search for the suspect and were confronted by an armed man, who fired on law enforcement officers. Police exchanged gun fire with the armed suspect. One Benton County Deputy and one Salem Police Officer were struck by gunfire and sustained serious injuries during the event. Both were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

The suspect was also struck by gunfire. He was flown via air ambulance to a Willamette Valley hospital. His status is not known.

The identities of all involved are being withheld pending confirmation of the identity of the suspect and family notifications.

The Benton County Major Crime Team initially responded to investigate the incident in conjunction with the Oregon State Police. The Benton County Sheriff's Office and Salem Police Department have requested the Oregon State Police assume the lead for the investigation of this incident.

Here is video from the scene by Jerry Freeman:

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who entered the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people who fulfilled their life dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “a truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness to the world’s events.”

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.