THE DALLES — One person was killed by police gunfire at the end of a short vehicle pursuit on Sixth Street early this morning.
Three law enforcement officials fired on the truck, after it successfully rammed a patrol car and continued aiming itself toward officers. The driver was wounded by police gunfire and died at a local hospital. No law enforcement personnel were injured.
The deceased was 68-year-old Jimmy L. Ewing, also known as August J. Law.
Three TDPD officers were involved. One of them fired on the suspect. They are officers Jeremy Dutton, who has served in The Dalles for 10 years; Nolan Randall, who has served here for two years; and Ezequiel Pitones, of just two weeks service in The Dalles. Dutton and Randall both have prior experience with WCSO, and Randall has prior experience with the Goldendale police.
Only Officer Dutton fired his service weapon during the encounter, along with two WCSO deputies. They are Tyler Williams, a deputy for six years, and Joshua Augustus, a deputy for 10 months. Deputy Kanyon Reams, of two years service, was also present but did not fire his weapon.
The investigation remains active. Once it is closed, the case will be delivered to the Wasco County District Attorney’s office for consideration.
The large tow truck, or commercial boom truck, was first encountered by Wasco County deputies at about 1:41 a.m. Deputies observed it dragging a large cable, and noted the driver was “behaving suspiciously” in the Home Depot parking lot, according to a The Dalles Police Department (TDPD) press release.
The deputies attempted to stop the truck, which fled west on Sixth Street. They reported the truck attempting to ram their patrol vehicles, and driving aggressively. Officers from The Dalles Police were in the area and joined the pursuit, and also reported the suspect vehicle attempting to ram police cars.
The suspect vehicle succeeded in ramming a TDPD vehicle near the 2900 block of West Sixth, ending the chase. The patrol car was shoved up onto an embankment.
One TDPD officer and two WCSO deputies fired their police firearms at the truck, which continued to aim itself at officers, and failed to yield or follow directions, the press release stated.
The suspect was injured by police gunfire and given immediate first aid at the scene. First-responders from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue arrived, and the suspect was transported to Adventist Health, where they died of their wounds.
One police car from City of The Dalles sustained heavy damage. West Sixth was closed for over four hours at last announcement, while investigators worked on the scene.
During this time, at 3:05 a.m., a break-in and theft was reported from a Crates Way business. The tow truck had been stolen from this location, and the used to ram the business’ gate. That case is being separately investigated by TDPD.
No further threat to the public is known to exist, the press release stated.
The Major Crimes Team, a team of detectives from multiple regional agencies, was activated to investigate. The Wasco County Senate bill 111 Deadly Physical Force Response Plan has been initiated. Additional information, including the names of involved officers and of the deceased suspect, will be released when the investigation permits, the press release stated.
The Major Crimes Team is seeking help from the public. They would like to hear from anyone who saw a white, older-model Ford flatbed boom truck with a green stripe in the area of Home Depot between the hours of 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on June 18. Contact the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office (HRCSO) tip line at 541-387-7077.
Investigating agencies include WCSO, TDPD, Oregon State Police, Hood River City Police Department and Hood River Sheriff’s Department. The Dalles Public Works is also assisting. The lead detective has briefed the Wasco County District Attorney.
“I recognize the impacts of an event like this on our community. Please allow detectives the time that they need to carefully investigate and accurately document this shooting incident. The Dalles Police is committed to transparency and more information will be released when the time is appropriate. We appreciate all of the concern from the community and the assistance of our partners,” TDPD Chief Tom Worthy said in Facebook statement.
Columbia Gorge News will provide ongoing coverage as this story unfolds.
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