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@WCSOOregon
The Washington County Major Crimes Team has identified the deceased as Robert Anthony “Jordan” Whitehead, age 26.
On 5/30/20, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy on Mr. Whitehead.
The following Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) personnel were involved in the incident:
- Cpl. Micah Akin
- Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2005
- Cpl. John Auth
- Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2015
- Deputy Steve Nichols
- Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2003
- Deputy Jacob Anderson
- Has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2018
- Previously worked for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office from 2015 to 2018
All four are on modified-duty status at this time, which is standard protocol.
The investigation is ongoing, and no other details can be released at this time.
The officer-involved shooting was captured on a deputy’s body-worn camera. Washington County Major Crimes Team Investigators reviewed the video and confirmed that at the beginning of the struggle, a Taser was deployed on the knife-wielding man. The knife was a large kitchen knife. Unfortunately, the Taser was ineffective, and the struggle continued. While still brandishing the large kitchen knife, the man advanced towards deputies and was subsequently shot.
Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous calls a law enforcement officer can respond to. In Oregon, more than 37% of women and 33% of men experience intimate partner physical violence in their lifetimes, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Nationally, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. If you need emergency help, call the Washington County Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at 503-469-8620. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
There are no more details available at this time.
On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 10:37 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call located at the West Slope Apartments located at 8585 SW Canyon Lane. Several people called to report yelling coming from one of the apartments.
When deputies arrived, they contacted a female who lived in the apartment. Shortly after, deputies contacted a male from the same apartment. While deputies were attempting to take the male into custody, he brandished a knife. After a struggle, deputies shot the male.
Deputies attempted life-saving efforts on the male until medical professionals arrived, but all attempts were unsuccessful.
The name of the deceased male and deputies involved will not be released at this time.
The Washington County Major Crimes Team and Washington County Forensic Science Unit responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.