Officer Involved Shooting - 08/07/26

On August 7, 2026, at approximately 7:09 a.m., Grants Pass Police officers responded to the 1600 block of NE 6th Street following reports of a male attempting to break into a vehicle.

During the incident, the suspect displayed a firearm. He then struck the victim’s head with the body of the gun, commonly called “pistol whipping.” After the confrontation, the suspect fled on foot, running south on NE 7th Street.

While en route to the original scene on 6th Street, responding patrol officers observed a male matching the suspect's description on Midland Avenue, just west of NE 7th Street. The officers were operating clearly marked Grants Pass Police patrol vehicles, and each officer was wearing a standard Grants Pass Police uniform with "POLICE" clearly displayed on the front of the uniform.

During the encounter, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. Faced with what they perceived to be an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury, three officers discharged their duty firearms.

The officers' use of deadly force was in response to the immediate threat posed by the armed suspect. At the time of the encounter, the officers were also attempting to prevent the suspect from causing further harm to members of the public following the reported armed assault that had occurred moments earlier.

Immediately following the use of force, the involved patrol officers rendered emergency medical aid to the suspect, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Officers continued providing care until relieved by American Medical Response and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue.

The suspect was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center for medical treatment. He continues to receive medical care at the time of this release.

Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit detectives and Josephine County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies responded to the scene to secure the area, confirm that no other individuals had been injured, and preserve evidence pending the arrival of independent law enforcement investigators. All the officers with our Department are safe and physically uninjured.

The investigation into this officer-involved shooting has been assigned to the Oregon State Police. The Oregon State Police are being assisted by the Josephine County District Attorney's Office, detectives with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division.

Investigators are working to identify the suspect.

The Oregon State Police are conducting an independent investigation into this officer-involved shooting to ensure a thorough and transparent review of the incident. The Grants Pass Police Department is committed to maintaining public trust and accountability and believes an independent investigation is essential to providing the community with an objective assessment of the facts and the officers' actions under Oregon law.

The Grants Pass Police Department appreciates the public's patience and cooperation in avoiding the area during the investigation. The incident required significant road closures and affected access to nearby businesses while investigators processed the scene.

Further information regarding this incident will be provided by the Oregon State Police and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office as the investigation progresses and additional details can be released.