Police Say Father and Son Shot Each Other During Family Argument

Alcohol reportedly drove the fight between the men that led to the shooting.

Salem-News.com

(GRANDE RONDE, Ore.) - Polk County deputies were called to the scene of a shooting with multiple victims Friday night at 8:40 PM. While enroute, they were advised of a report that two people were shot at a residence on Andy Riggs Road in Grand Ronde.

Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolf says the first deputies arriving on the scene were delayed in making contact due to conflicting reports about gun shots, and the fact that they were unsure how many people were shot, or involved.

He says Polk County deputies requested assistance from the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police. After making contact, it was discovered that a father and son had both been shot.

Wolf says 47-year old James Wright, and his son, 25-year old Jeremy Wright, both received gunshot wounds.

"James Wright was life flighted to Good Sam Hospital in Corvallis, then later to Emanuel Hospital in Portland and Jeremy Wright was transported to McMinnville Hospital by ambulance." Wolf said. Investigators say it appears that the incident stemmed from a family argument involving alcohol. It escalated into a situation in which one subject shot the other, Wolf said. "Then the victim got the pistol and shot the person who shot him. We are still sorting out who fired the first shot."

Sheriff Wolfe added it was pretty intense at first as arriving officers were getting conflicting information about how many were shot and if anyone still was shooting.

"Multiple agencies joined us in making a tactical approach to secure the scene. A handgun was recovered at the scene."