Two Sought in Officer Involved shooting

Police need the public`s help in locating 42-year old Joe Luis Duran and the identity of his passenger.

Albany Police are searching for 42-year old Joe Luis Duran Photo: Albany Police

(ALBANY) - An officer involved shooting that occurred Wednesday in Albany is under investigation by the Oregon State Police, and the Linn County District Attorney`s Office.

Albany Police Captain Eric Carter says just after 10:00 AM, an officer stopped a 1999 Chevy pickup with two occupants in the 2600 block of SE 18th Avenue.

In the process of conducting his stop of the pickup, which had pulled into a driveway, the officer learned that it was a stolen vehicle. The driver attempted to flee the scene and the officer fired his duty weapon at the pickup as it accelerated directly at the officer.

The officer was identified as Bob Ledford, a 4-year veteran of the Albany Police Department Carter said.

OSP and the Linn County Sheriff`s Department assisted in the search for the pickup and occupants. The pickup was located, unoccupied, a short time later in an apartment complex in the 1900 block of SE 21st Avenue.

42-year old Joe Luis Duran is being sought as a person of interest in this investigation. Joe Duran has been associated with this pickup in the past.

Carter said as is common in any traumatic incident, officer Ledford will be in an off-duty status capacity until he is able to return to duty.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Joe Duran and the identity and whereabouts of the passenger is encouraged to call the Albany Police Department at (541) 917-7680.