Deputy Shot Near Salem, Suspect In Custody

Salem Police, who have taken over the investigation, determined that a Silverton Police Officer also fired his weapon during the incident.

Deputy Jim Buchholz, a 9 year veteran with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

(SALEM OR) - On Friday December 6th at approximately 9:00 a.m. the Silverton Police Department began a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. This pursuit left the city of Silverton heading south into a rural portion of Marion County. The sheriff's office was requested for assistan ce and responded to the general area where this incident took place. Prior to the sheriff's office arrival the pursuit was terminated by Silverton after they lost sight of the vehicle.

While searching the area, the stolen vehicle was found by Sheriff's deputies in a field near 117th and Sunnyview Road NE. While processing the stolen vehicle witnesses reported seeing a male suspect associated with the vehicle on foot and in the area. Witnesses told deputies that the man was armed with multiple guns.

Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted with a search for the male suspect in this rural area. After several hours of searching the suspect was not located. As officers and deputies were preparing to leave the area Deputy Jim Buchholz, a 9 year veteran with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, located the suspect near a Christmas tree farm field and attempted to arrest him.

During this arrest incident gunfire was exchanged and Deputy Buchholz sustained a gun shot wound.

Deputy Buchholz then retreated to cover, deployed a medical kit and began treating his own wound. Other law enforcement officers arrived and there was additional gunfire. At some point the suspect was shot and was taken into custody.

"I'm very proud of Deputy Buchholz actions in this very dangerous situation, Deputy Buchholz demonstrated quick thinking and heroic actions which saved his life and the lives of other responding law enforcement officers." said Sheriff Jason Myers.

Salem-News.com's Jerry Freeman closely monitored the deputy's actions via the radio as he responded to the call, and says Jim Buchholz kept his cool. "I could hear him, he said, 'Shots fired, I've been hit, I need code three medics,' and remained very calm and in control of his actions. He did what he was supposed to do, he never got excited, helped direct the other officers in, all the while keeping an eye on the suspect."

Officials say a very thorough investigation, in accordance with the Marion County Senate Bill 111 plan, is being led by the Salem Police Department.

Salem Police added the following information today:

As the investigation continues into the officer involved shooting near Silverton on December 6, investigators have determined that a Silverton Police Officer also fired his weapon during the incident.

Officer Jason Bricker, a 4-year veteran with the Silverton Police Department, fired his weapon during the incident in a field off of Sunnyview Rd NE. The type of weapon and number of rounds fired is not available at this time.

Officer Bricker has been placed on administrative leave as is common procedure when an officer has been involved in an incident of this nature.

The investigation is continuing with Salem Police Detectives in conjunction with the Marion County District Attorney's Office.