PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Multnomah County grand jury determined this week that an officer’s decision to use deadly force was legally justified after the officer shot and wounded a bank robbery suspect.
Chase Peeples remains in the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland.
This week, a federal grand jury also handed down a two-count indictment against Peeples for bank robbery and attempted Hobbs Act robbery. An arraignment has not been set.
In a statement, the DA’s Office said, “The grand jury determined that the use of deadly force against Mr. Peeples by Officer Reagan was a lawful exercise of self-defense.”
Portland Police say Peeples was identified as the suspect in two robberies that occurred within a short period of time on October 25 in North Portland. One of the robberies occurred at the U.S. Bank in the 3200 block of North Lombard and the other robbery at the nearby Ace Check Cashing store.
In both robberies, Peeples, according to police, entered the location demanded money, produced a note, obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and left the locations.
Officers began searching for Peeples shortly after the robberies were reported.
Officer Ryan Reagan, a 19-year-veteran, and his partner, located Peeples and gave Peeples multiple commands to put his hands in the air.
Peeples, according to police, “did not follow the officers’ commands, turned towards the officers and advanced towards them as he reached into his pocket.”
Reagan fired multiple shots from his handgun, striking Peeples.
The Multnomah County grand jury reviewed Reagan’s use of force because Peeples was seriously injured and spent several days in the hospital.