A deadly police shooting on the central Oregon coast is under investigation after a follow-up visit by Newport officers turned violent Wednesday afternoon, leaving one person dead on the 1500 block of the Siletz River Highway in Lincoln County just before 4 p.m., authorities said.
According to KOIN, Newport officers and Oregon State Police were conducting a follow-up investigation when their contact with a person at the scene escalated into gunfire. KOIN reports that the individual died at the scene. No officers or community members were injured, and the outlet noted that coverage included a photograph credited to Jenny Rae Nelson.
OSP Steps In As Lead Agency
A news release on the Oregon State Police site states that OSP detectives are leading the on-scene investigation and have classified the incident as an officer-involved shooting. The agency says the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released when it becomes available.
Next Stop: Prosecutor’s Desk
Once state police finish collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, the case file will be handed to the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors there will review the findings and decide whether criminal charges are warranted. The office has not announced any decisions at this stage.
Community On Edge, Investigators Seek Tips
Officials are asking anyone with information to reach out to investigators. Non-emergency contact details for the Newport Police Department are available on the city’s website. The Newport Police Department lists a non-emergency number and lobby hours for people who want to speak with officers in person.
Investigators say they will release more information as the review continues, and the identity of the person who died has not been made public, according to KOIN. For now, Oregon State Police and Newport police remain at work processing the scene and gathering evidence.
