Jury says Ore. trooper was justified in killing man

Jury says Ore. trooper was justified in killing man

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Story Published: Jun 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM PST

Story Updated: Jun 5, 2009 at 11:07 AM PST

By Associated Press

WALLOWA, Ore. (AP) - A grand jury has ruled an Oregon state trooper was justified in the shooting death of a Wallowa man.

James Blair was shot May 21 after two troopers and a Wallowa County deputy came to his house to investigate a report he had committed acts of public indecency in front of children.

The grand jury report released Friday said Blair threatened to kill himself, and it described an 11-second burst of events:

  • Two officers came through the front door. One tackled Blair, and Blair fired a shot, barely missing the second officer.
  • The second officer joined the struggle as Blair tried to get off another round.
  • The third officer, Trooper Brian Miller, came into the house and fired at Blair, hitting him in the head and shoulder.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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