PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A fleeing fugitive who fired his weapon at pursuing law enforcement vehicles along a 17-mile stretch of Highway 26 died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Andrew Garrette Dehart, 36, shot multiple times at police as he attempted to “evade capture” on October 28 along Highway 26, Washington County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Ray said.
US Marshals tracked Dehart to a residence in Seaside. Before they arrived, Dehart headed east on Highway 26 in a 2000 Ford Ranger pickup. Both the US Marhals and the Oregon State Police were on Hwy 26 near Bear Road when Dehart saw them and began going faster.
He then began shooting from his truck at the pursuing law enforcement around Military Creek Road, Ray said. He continued shooting at his pursuers for about the next 17 miles. One patrol car was hit by the bullets and disabled.
Three law enforcement officers further east got information Dehart was fleeing and shooting at his pursuers. Those officer got out of their cars on the east side of the tunnel near NW Ridge Road and shot at Dehart.
An autopsy conducted found Dehart died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the right side of his head, Dr. Larry Lewman of the medical examiner’s office said.
Dehart was wanted on a warrant charging him with attempted murder, 1st-degree kidnapping and 1st-degree assault. The charges, Ray said, stem from an incident in Clark County, Washington.