LANE COUNTY, Ore. -- A Eugene police officer was shot and killed during a chase that ensued after a traffic stop on Highway 126. Investigators say the officer -- whose name has not been released -- tried to pull over a woman in a red car, but she took off. When the officer pursued her car, she allegedly shot at him, leading him to crash his motorcycle.
EPD has not confirmed the officer's condition, but we have heard from multiple sources that he passed away. Eugene City Councilor Mike Clark posted tonight on Facebook that "The officer who passed tonight was a friend of mine. He was a gentle man and a kind soul. A dedicated public servant with a heart filled with concern for others. Our community has lost a warrior for good. We are all poorer for his passing - but richer to have known him. I am very sad tonight - but honored to have called him friend."
The woman suspected of the shooting then led law enforecement officer from the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police and Eugene Police on a high-speed chase from Highway 126 to Jasper-Lowell Road. The chase eventually ended up on Highway 58 before the driver headed up a Forest Service road, nicknamed "Tire Mountain Road" by locals.
For hours, SWAT teams, a helicopter and K-9 units worked to get the driver out of the car. She eventually gave herself up around 8:00 p.m. The driver hasn't been identified yet.
The Springfield Police Department will hold a press conference later tonight to provide more details about what happened. We'll have the latest on KEZI 9 News at 11.
EPD has not confirmed the officer's condition, but we have heard from multiple sources that he passed away. Eugene City Councilor Mike Clark posted tonight on Facebook that "The officer who passed tonight was a friend of mine. He was a gentle man and a kind soul. A dedicated public servant with a heart filled with concern for others. Our community has lost a warrior for good. We are all poorer for his passing - but richer to have known him. I am very sad tonight - but honored to have called him friend."
The woman suspected of the shooting then led law enforecement officer from the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police and Eugene Police on a high-speed chase from Highway 126 to Jasper-Lowell Road. The chase eventually ended up on Highway 58 before the driver headed up a Forest Service road, nicknamed "Tire Mountain Road" by locals.
For hours, SWAT teams, a helicopter and K-9 units worked to get the driver out of the car. She eventually gave herself up around 8:00 p.m. The driver hasn't been identified yet.
The Springfield Police Department will hold a press conference later tonight to provide more details about what happened. We'll have the latest on KEZI 9 News at 11.
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