An investigation has been launched by the Oregon State Police following an officer-involved shooting that transpired in Columbia County this past Sunday. Details released indicate a high-speed chase ensued, climaxing in a fatal confrontation.
As reported on their official website, the chase began on July 20 when Columbia County Sheriff's deputies pursued a white Kia Optima driven by 47-year-old Kyle Davis Graham. While fleeing down Canaan Road near Highway 30 in Deer Island, Graham lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, and went down an embankment, with the car coming to a stop near Merrill Creek. Armed at the time, Graham was engaged by Deputy Seann Luedke, during which gunfire was exchanged and Graham was struck. Following the shooting, officers and medics attempted life-saving measures, but Graham was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured in the incident.
This incident comes on the heels of a previous evasion involving Graham, where he had eluded officers from the Washington State Patrol a day earlier, leading them from Washington into Oregon over the Lewis and Clark Bridge.
Deputy Luedke, who discharged his weapon during the incident and has three years of service with the Sheriff's Office, was placed on administrative leave, a routine measure. Having had prior law enforcement experience in Oregon, the investigation regarding his use of force is underway under the guidelines of the Columbia County Use of Deadly Physical Force Plan, established by Senate Bill 111. As directed under this statute, the Oregon State Police, with the Columbia County District Attorney's Office's oversight, have taken the helm of the primary investigation.
Consistent with procedure, all information pertinent to this case, as it unfolds, will be provided by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office. Any upcoming updates pertaining to this officer-involved shooting will be accessible upon the completion of the investigation.
