Vancouver Police Officer Shot During Standoff

The hostage was released and transported for treatment of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Salem-News.com

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - A police standoff that involved the non-fatal shooting of a police officer ended last night with one hostage released and the suspect in custody.

Kim Kapp with Vancouver Police says it began when detectives from the Vancouver Police Career Criminal Apprehension Team arrived at a residence in the 15600 block of SE 12th Street Wednesday at 7:20 AM.

Kapp says they were there to arrest a wanted person with outstanding warrants for Possession of a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

"Detectives made verbal contact with a female resident who exited the residence and confirmed that there was a male inside matching the description of the wanted suspect, Matthew R. Hastings."

Police say detectives made verbal contact with Hastings, who they say refused to come out. Shortly thereafter a shot was fired from inside the residence in the direction of officers outside.

The SW Washington Regional SWAT Team was called at approximately 8:30 AM. "Hostage negotiators were also called out to maintain communication with the suspect, who was believed to have a male subject in a hostage situation inside the residence."

After approximately two hours into the negotiations, the suspect was threatening to do harm to the hostage, according to Kapp. She says this prompted members of the SW Washington SWAT Team to enter the residence for the safety of the hostage.

"After making entry, a shot was fired by the suspect that struck Vancouver Police SWAT team member Cpl. Chris LeBlanc. Cpl. LeBlanc was transported to SW Washington Medical Center and is listed in serious condition. His injuries do not appear to be life-threatening."

As the incident progressed over the course of several hours, members of the Portland Police Bureau Special Emergency Reaction Team were contacted to assist and relieve SW Washington SWAT team members.

Members from the Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team were called in to relieve SERT members and take over on scene tactical operations. They remained on scene until approximately 1:30 AM this morning, when members of the Gresham-Multnomah County SWAT Team transitioned into the tactical role.

Kapp says eleven homes were evacuated to ensure the safety of residents within close proximity of the police activity and the involved residence.

The hostage was released at 7:00 PM and was transported to SW Washington Medical Center for treatment for a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

At approximately 3:30 AM, Gresham-Multnomah County SWAT Team members set off one pre-set, controlled explosive charge in a window which allowed them to introduce tear gas into the residence and make entry. Hastings was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Clark County Jail. Detectives from the Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Team will be processing the scene throughout the day.