CRESWELL, Ore. -- Oregon State Police have identified the trooper who was shot while conducting a traffic stop in Creswell on Tuesday.
Senior Trooper Gerald Ellis, 30, was saved by his bulletproof vest and suffered minor injuries. He is an 8-year veteran assigned to the Springfield Area Command - Patrol Division, OSP said in a Facebook post.
During a speech to the entire agency on Wednesday, OSP Superintendent Travis Hampton thanked other law enforcement agencies for the outpouring of support and commended Trooper Ellis' bravery.
“It never ceases to amaze me when I hear the big blue machine rolling to support one of our own. From fellow troopers- to dispatch- to SWAT- to the immediate care system…the OSP universe centered on welfare of one brave young man- as it should have," Hampton said according to the Facebook post. "I’m very proud of you all, especially our trooper involved in the event. He displayed a great deal of courage and acted in the best traditions of the Oregon State Police.”
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Edward Paul Dungan, according to a report in the Eugene Register Guard.
Lane County jail records indicated he was being held on accusations that include attempted aggravated murder and unlawful use of weapon.
The shooting occurred at about 1:20 p.m. near Highway 99 and England Road. Ellis returned fire, but did not hit the suspect, OSP said.
Officers from the Department of Homeland Security and Lane County sheriff's deputies are investigating.