FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 30, 2026 

Follow Up: Deputies Involved in Use of Deadly Force Incident Following 911 in Aumsville 

On March 29, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at 12393 West Stayton Road SE, Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon. At approximately 7:08 p.m., a caller, who had left the residence, reported a domestic disturbance at that location. 

Marion County Sheriff Deputies Benjamin Theodoriches and Ricky Kittleson responded to the residence with the caller, who returned with them. Upon entering, they contacted Brian Guy Baker, 47, of Aumsville, who was in possession of a gun, and an altercation ensued. 

A preliminary review of the radio traffic during the incident shows that the deputies reported that they were fired upon and indicated that they had returned fire. They were able to retreat from the scene with the remaining residents of the house. Baker refused commands to exit the residence and surrender. 

None of the responding deputies, or other residents were seriously injured during this incident. 

Marion County SWAT, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, were able to make entry to the residence at approximately 2:15 a.m. At that time, Baker was located within the residence, deceased. The preliminary investigation suggests that Baker died from self-inflicted injuries; however, his cause and manner of death will ultimately be determined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner. 

Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (“Senate Bill 111 protocol”), the Salem Police Department is investigating the incident with the assistance of the Oregon State Police and other local agencies. A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. The search warrant was signed by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart. 

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard protocol. 

Any future release will be provided by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

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