SALEM, Ore. — A man was fatally shot in a confrontation with Salem police officers early Monday morning, according to a news release from the Salem Police Department.
A Salem police officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Northeast Salem at about 12:37 a.m. Monday, police said, but the driver did not stop. The vehicle eventually drove to Northgate Park in North Salem, where it stopped in a field.
The officers made contact with the driver and a confrontation ensued. Three Salem officers fired their weapons, according to a news release sent Monday afternoon by Oregon State Police (OSP). The driver was injured and given first aid, and was transported to the Salem Hospital. He later died of his injuries.
OSP identified the man as Richard Allan Meyers. He was 41 years old.
A pitbull dog inside the vehicle was also injured, police said. The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic and received medical treatment, but OSP said Meyers' family has decided to euthanize the dog.
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Four Salem officers were placed on paid administrative leave following a preliminary investigation, which is department policy. OSP identified the four officers on Monday afternoon, along with the time they've spent with the Salem Police Department:
- Chad Treichler (1 year, 8 months)
- Griffin McDowell (5 years, 7 months)
- Jonathan McNichols (1 year, 6 months)
- David Baker (8 years, 11 months)
The Oregon State Police are the primary investigating agency, and are expected to provide all future updates on the status of the investigation.