Salem Police Shoot, Critically Wound 59-Year-Old Man Armed With Gun

As per department policy the officers were placed on administrative leave while the investigation is conducted.

59-year-old Rockne Mack Nickell Photo: Salem Police

(SALEM) - At about 1:00 AM Saturday morning, two Salem Police officers shot and wounded a man who was armed with a gun.

Salem Police spokesman Lt. Dave Okada says at about 12:55 AM, Salem police officer's Rogers Smith and Jared Noack responded to 1351 Peace Street S.E. on a report of a man who was threatening his neighbor with a knife.

The officers made contact at the suspect's apartment and a confrontation ensued.

The officers were involved in a physical struggle with the suspect, who was armed with a handgun at the time and during this struggle the suspect was shot.

He was transported to the Salem Hospital, by ambulance, with a gunshot wound.

He was later transferred to OHSU in Portland in critical condition.

The wounded man was identified as 59-year-old Rockne Mack Nickell.

The officers involved in the shooting are:

Officer Rogers Smith, has been a Salem Police Officer since January 2006.

Officer Jared Noack, has been a Salem Police Officer since March 2003.

Neither officer was injured.

As per department policy the officers were placed on administrative leave while the investigation is conducted.

As per policy in all officer involved shootings the Oregon State Police was requested to conduct the investigation into the shooting.