3-30-2021 Douglas County District Attorney Holds Press Conference On Officer Involved Shooting (Photo) - 03/30/21

Office of the District Attorney

Richard L. Wesenberg Jr.

District Attorney for Douglas County

Justice Building, PO Box 1006

Roseburg, OR 97470

(541) 440-4388 • Fax: (541) 440-4403

and

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff John Hanlin

Douglas County Courthouse

1036 SE Douglas Avenue

Roseburg, OR 97470

(541) 957-4778 • Fax: (541) 957-8140

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Joint Press Release with the Douglas County DA’s Office and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

March 30, 2021

Douglas County District Attorney Holds Press Conference on Officer Involved Shooting

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County District Attorney, Rick Wesenberg held a press conference today, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, to discuss the officer involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 1575 Highway Avenue in Reedsport, Oregon.  He was joined by Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein and Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Eichman.  The press conference was held at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, in Roseburg, Oregon.

            Douglas County District Attorney, Wesenberg provided a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the nearly five-hour standoff, including the officer involved shooting of the suspect, David Rouzi.  Wesenberg’s presentation cited that; immediately after the event, the Douglas County Major Crimes Team (MCT) was activated.  The MCT, under the direction and supervision of Roseburg Police Detective Sergeant Dennis Chrisenberry and his team conducted an immediate, thorough and exhaustive investigation into the events that ultimately led to the shooting.  Subsequently, on Monday March 29, 2021 the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office convened a grand jury to conduct its own investigation.  The grand jury was also thorough and exhaustive.  The grand jury heard sworn testimony from 12 eyewitnesses.  After careful and thoughtful deliberation, the grand jury concluded that the use of deadly physical force by the officers involved was justified. 

            “Not only was it extremely justified, based on the deliberate and intentional actions of David Rouzi, it was unavoidable,” stated DA Wesenberg.  Four expert marksmen from the Douglas County Tactical Response Team (TRT); Sergeant Nick Hansen, Detective Ricco Lang, Deputy Mike Siemens and Deputy Jayson Forte, all with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, ultimately prevented Rouzi from taking another life.  “These four officers reacted with great skill, professionalism and restraint.  All the officers involved in the nearly five hour standoff acted with great skill, professionalism and restraint.”

            After his presentation, DA Wesenberg introduced Douglas County Sheriff, John Hanlin.  Sheriff Hanlin started by extending his sincere sympathies to the family and loved ones of Rouzi. “This incident will have a lasting impact on the family and friends, the officers involved, the first responders, other members of the criminal justice system and members of the community,” remarked Sheriff Hanlin. The Sheriff continued by stating that the officers and dispatchers involved in this unfortunate situation responded to and reacted to Rouzi’s behavior and actions “exactly how they are trained and exactly how they are expected to respond.” He added, “Mr. Rouzi chose not to surrender peacefully and by his actions he forced a deadly outcome. Sheriff Hanlin thanked the numerous agencies involved in the investigation, extending a special thank you to the Roseburg Police Department for leading the investigation. 

            DA Wesenberg ended with commendations for the collaborative efforts of everyone involved including: Douglas County Sheriff, John Hanlin’s Office for the skill, professionalism and sophistication of both the Douglas County Crisis Negotiations Team and the Douglas County Tactical Response Team; Roseburg Police Department and Roseburg Police Detective Sergeant Dennis Chrisenberry and the Douglas County Major Crimes Team for their precise, thorough and complete investigation; the men and women of the Douglas County Grand Jury; and Douglas County Senior Deputy District Attorney, Allison Eichman and Douglas County District Attorney Office Manager, Lisa Thompson for their expertise in preparing and presenting the case. 

            DA Wesenberg commented, “I also want to acknowledge and thank the Douglas County Commissioners for prioritizing public safety.  Because of that, Sheriff Hanlin has all the resources needed to field these incredible teams in order to protect the citizens of Douglas County.”  

            Citizens can view a recording of the live-streamed press conference on the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCoSO. 

###

Tamara Howell, Douglas County Public Information Officer, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist. (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Sergeant Brad O’Dell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, (541) 440-4464 bcodell@co.douglas.or.us