PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — One deputy is recovering at home and another remains in serious condition at a trauma hospital as an investigation continues into Thursday’s shootout near Gaston.
Gunfire was exchanged near the north end of Hagg Lake happened hours after deputies were called to search for a man wanted for stealing guns, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. The deputies were shot off SW Scoggins Valley Road around 5:30 p.m.
The suspect was also shot before being taken into custody.
All 3 were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Metro West Paramedic Supervisor Andrew Cooper said medical responders were challenged to think fast on their feet.
“Initially, the plan was to transport one officer in one ambulance and transport the other officer in another ambulance,” Cooper said. “But due to the proximity of the suspect and the shootings that were still going on, the decision was made to put both officers in one ambulance and transport them both down at the same time.”
One of the deputies was then transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health and Science University and remains in serious condition. Authorities said the prognosis is encouraging.
The other deputy was treated for non-life threatening injuries and has since been released.
The suspect was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and underwent surgery. He is still in the hospital.
Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett credited the ambulance crew for their bravery in entering the area when the armed suspect had yet to be caught.
A medic from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue was also credited for his bravery in staying with and treating the deputy who was seriously hurt. The medic is also a sworn member of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office tactical team.
“We have two officers down“
Audio obtained by KOIN 6 News from Broadcastify detailed the tense moments in the woods near Hagg Lake after two deputies were shot by a gunman on the run late Thursday afternoon, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The names of those involved have not been released by authorities at this time.
Detectives spent Friday gathering evidence in the woods where the shooting happened.
KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.