PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A grand jury has ruled that police were justified in the fatal shooting of John Elifritz in Southeast Portland on April 7, 2018.
Elifritz died after a crime spree that started with a carjacking on that Saturday afternoon. He later crashed the stolen car near the Cityteam Ministries Portland Shelter on SE Grand.
Witnesses said he had a knife and lunged at police before they opened fire on him.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said the jury heard 4 days of testimony.
Five officers and a Multnomah County deputy who were involved in the shooting are expected to return to duty. They are:
– Officer Kameron Fender, an eight-year-veteran of the Bureau
– Officer Alexandru Martiniuc, a six-year-veteran of the Bureau
– Officer Bradley Nutting, an 11-year-veteran of the Bureau
– Officer Chad Phifer, a 10-year-veteran of the Bureau
– Officer Andrew Polas, a 14-year-veteran of the Bureau
– Deputy Aaron Sieczkowski, a six-year-veteran of the Sheriff’s Office
“The Portland Police Bureau remains committed to transparency and sharing all available information with the community,” said Chief Danielle Outlaw in a press release. “We ask that community members be patient as all of the reports and video files are prepared for public release.”
Several groups have rallied since the shooting, arguing that money should be poured into mental health care rather than the police bureau.
LINK: Video of the shooting (Warning: Viewers may find this graphic and disturbing)