Portland police: Man killed by police did shoot officer in leg

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Police detectives are continuing their investigation into the May 12 officer-involved shooting near Lloyd Center. As many as 40 gunshots were heard by witnesses during the seconds surrounding Keaton Dupree Otis' death.

Detectives say they've interviewed more than 20 civilian witnesses at the scene as well as 12 officers that either were directly involved in the shooting, witnessed the shooting or arrived shortly after.

"Detectives have determined that the deceased subject, 25-year-old Keaton Dupree Otis, shot Officer Christopher Burley," reports a press release distributed by the Portland Police Bureau Tuesday. "Officer Burley was shot twice, sustaining injuries in both legs."

It is unclear whether both of those shots came from Otis. Some earlier reports surmised the officer may have been hit by "friendly fire."

The injured officer has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

How did this happen?
Members of HEAT, a team that deals with gangs, had been following Otis for traffic violations with lights flashing from the Lloyd Center area to Northeast 6th Avenue near Halsey Street.

Police said a gun believed to belong to Otis was recovered in the vehicle. It is being sent to the crime lab for analysis. Friends and neighbors said they had no reason to believe Otis was in a gang.

Detectives are expected to continue to examine forensic evidence, prepare reports and ensure transcriptions of witness interviews in preparation for an upcoming grand jury review of the evidence. The grand jury expected to look at this case is scheduled to convene on Friday.

Mayor Sam Adams reportedly has asked District Attorney Michael Schrunk to record the testimony as it is presented.

Police are asking anyone who has not been contacted by police who has information about this incident to call Detective Mark Slater at (503) 823-9319 or Detective Erik Kammerer at (503) 823-0762.