A welfare check in Klamath Falls turned deadly Friday morning when police opened fire in the 900 block of East Main Street, leaving a 4-year-old boy wounded and a man dead. The boy, who suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition. The adult man was pronounced dead at the scene, and local authorities have activated the Klamath County Major Crimes Team to take over the investigation.
What Police Say Happened
In a news release posted to FlashAlert, the Oregon State Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 9:33 a.m. after a 911 welfare check and made contact with an armed adult. During an altercation, responding officers "deployed deadly force," the release says, and the suspect was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. The release notes that a minor child was injured, that the involved officers have been placed on paid leave, and that anyone with information should call 541-664-4600 and reference case number SP26183104.
Radio Traffic and Unanswered Questions
As reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive, police radio traffic indicated the 4-year-old was shot in the leg. The outlet also reports that authorities have declined to specify who fired the round that struck the child and that the Klamath County District Attorney's office directed questions to state police.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Klamath County Major Crimes Team, a multiagency group that includes the Oregon State Police, the Klamath County Sheriff's Office and the Klamath Falls Police Department, has been assigned to collect evidence, interview witnesses and reconstruct the scene, according to the state police release. Investigators will forward their findings to the district attorney for review, and officials say they will provide updates through the Klamath County District Attorney's office as the inquiry continues.
