CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — A grand jury found that a Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was "justified" in shooting a man suspected of driving a stolen car in late June, according to the county district attorney's office.
On June 28, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) notified Clackamas County deputies that they were tracking a suspected stolen vehicle that had been "driving recklessly and attempting to elude officers." There were three people inside the car.
After entering a parking structure at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, the car "began ramming multiple responding patrol vehicles," according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. During the confrontation, Deputy Stephen Tucker shot the driver, 25-year-old Joseph Brasuell.
Brasuell survived the shooting and was taken to a local hospital in "stable condition." He was later charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and three counts of second-degree criminal mischief.
None of the passengers in Brasuell's car or any law enforcement officers were injured.
On Sept. 20, a Clackamas County grand jury heard witness testimony and reviewed video from the shooting, the DA's office said. They ultimately found Tucker's use of deadly force "justified under the circumstances."
Brasuell is still being treated at the hospital, according to the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office. As a result, his court case is on hold.
