A stretch of Portland Road Northwest in Salem turned into a heavily restricted scene Thursday morning after an officer-involved shooting shut down traffic and drew a large response from first responders. The incident unfolded shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the 3300 block of the roadway, and authorities asked people to steer clear of the area while crews worked.
According to KPTV, the Salem Police Department confirmed that one of its officers was involved in the shooting, but there was no immediate word on whether anyone was hurt. Police have not released further details and say the investigation is ongoing.
How the probe typically proceeds
Per Marion County's SB 111 plan, incidents involving the intentional use of deadly physical force trigger a formal response protocol that can include assigning an outside agency to lead the criminal investigation and oversight by the district attorney. The plan outlines steps such as securing the scene, preserving evidence, and coordinating interviews with witnesses and the officers involved.
What Salem's policy requires
The Salem Police Department's use-of-force policy states that officers may use deadly force only when they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend human life, and it requires a full administrative review whenever a weapon is fired, according to the department's policy. Those internal reviews typically occur alongside any criminal inquiry described in the county plan.
How to help or get information
Anyone who was in the area and has video or information is asked to contact the Salem Police non-emergency line at 503-588-6123 or email [email protected], per the City of Salem. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
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