Shots fired, suspect in custody in I-84 pursuit
By Terry Murry on Friday, December 31st, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
Law enforcement action prompted Interstate 84 westbound between La Grande and Echo to be shut down for several hours Friday. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated, and shots were fired by the suspect, law enforcement, and private citizens according to a news release issued by Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram.
It began when a vehicle was reported stolen in Ukiah at around 6 a.m. this morning (Friday). At around 10:45 a.m., that vehicle was spotted by a Union County Sheriff’s Office deputy who attempted to stop it.
The vehicle fled and was re-located by Oregon State Police on Interstate 84 in Umatilla County, where a pursuit began. It was during this pursuit that shots were fired. At 11:53 a.m., the suspect was taken into custody at gunpoint and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Multiple agencies were involved in apprehending the suspect, including both the Union County and Umatilla County sheriffs’ offices Umatilla Tribal Police, and the Oregon State Police. The Pendleton Police Department has taken over the investigation of the matter, which is routine. A neutral law enforcement agency often steps in when officers are involved in incidents which result in the use of firearms. Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus is also involved in the investigation.
