Incident Overview

A man was hospitalized after an officer-involved shooting in Milwaukie, Oregon, early in the morning. The shooting occurred near a Taco Bell in a shopping center on Southeast Oak Street. Milwaukie police officers were dispatched to the scene for a traffic investigation, which escalated when at least one officer discharged their firearm, hitting the male suspect.

Location and Scene Details

The incident took place just before 1:00 a.m. at the Taco Bell drive-thru exit in a shopping center. The area was taped off with crime scene markers, and police remained on-site for several hours. A car was seen parked near the drive-thru exit, with multiple windows shattered. The back window was completely destroyed, and glass was scattered on the road. Interestingly, the front windshield appeared undamaged.

Initial Police Response

Milwaukie police officers responded to a routine call regarding a traffic situation at the Taco Bell. However, during their investigation, the situation escalated, leading an officer to fire their weapon, striking the suspect. After the shooting, the suspect was transported to a hospital. His current condition is still unclear, and authorities have not yet provided further details on his injuries.

Investigation by Law Enforcement

The Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office are leading the investigation. Officers were seen collecting evidence at the scene, including areas around the car and the wooded area behind the Taco Bell. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the shooting. So far, it has not been confirmed whether the suspect was armed or what caused the officer to fire.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Shooting

As of now, it remains unclear what led to the exchange of gunfire between the officer and the suspect. The Milwaukie Police Department has not released any details about what triggered the officer to use deadly force. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the suspect posed a direct threat or if any weapons were involved.

Ongoing Police Presence and Public Impact

Throughout the morning, police maintained a significant presence in the shopping center area, with tape blocking off the crime scene. Local businesses, including a Starbucks and gas station, were affected as the investigation continued. Police assured the public that there was no immediate threat to the community, but they asked residents and visitors to stay aware of the heavy police activity in the area.

Community Reaction

Local residents expressed concern over the incident, as it occurred in a typically busy part of Milwaukie. The ongoing investigation and road closures caused some disruption for people trying to access businesses in the shopping center. Despite the large police presence and visible crime scene markers, officers repeatedly emphasized that there was no broader threat to the community as a result of the shooting.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Milwaukie Police Department, along with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, will continue their investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the officer discharging their firearm. Investigators will focus on collecting evidence, reviewing body camera footage, and speaking with witnesses to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. As of now, it is unclear whether the suspect will face charges or if any legal actions will be taken as the investigation unfolds.

Call for Information from the Public

As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. The goal is to gather as much evidence as possible to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. Police have committed to providing further updates as more information becomes available.

Conclusion

This officer-involved shooting in Milwaukie remains under investigation, and many details are still unclear. Law enforcement is working to piece together the events that led to the suspect being shot. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official updates as more information is released.