PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Gunfire that ended with one man dead and a police officer wounded began when two members of a Portland police team that tries to prevent gang violence stopped a car for driving infractions.
Nearby resident Christina Lais recorded the scene on video as police cruisers boxed in the man’s car Wednesday evening. One officer approached the passenger side while others with Tasers drawn approached the driver’s side.
Police Chief Mike Reese said Thursday the driver ignored instructions and struggled as officers tried to get him out of the car. The chief says officers twice fired a Taser to no effect. Police say the driver grabbed a gun and fired, hitting Officer Christopher Burley once in each leg.
Reese says Officers James Defrain, Cody Berne and Andrew Polas fired back.
The dead man has not been identified pending notification of relatives.
Burley is expected to make a full recovery.
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
