Salem police officers fatally shot a man Monday during what officers called a “confrontation.”
The shooting happened at Northgate Park, and began as a traffic stop. A dog that was with the man was injured in the shooting, and later euthanized.
According to Oregon State Police, which is the agency investigating the shooting, Salem Police officer Griffin McDowell attempted a traffic stop on a gold Mercedes in northeast Salem around 12:37 a.m. Instead of pulling over, police said, the driver of the car fled from the officer in the vehicle.
The person driving, identified as 40-year-old Richard Allan Meyers, ultimately drove into the park on Northgate Avenue. Meyers entered the northeast parking lot and then drove onto the northern field of the park. Additional Salem officers responded, and they stopped the Mercedes in the field. Police did not describe the shooting in detail, but said a confrontation ensued. It was at that point, according to Oregon State Police, that three Salem officers fired their department-issued firearms. Police did not say if Meyers was armed, or what had led to the shooting.
Emergency medical staff transported Meyers to Salem Hospital where he later died.
A pitbull that was in Meyers’ vehicle was injured and transported to a veterinary clinic, but Meyers’ family decided to put the dog down.
Four officers — Chad Treichler, Griffin McDowell, Jonathan McNichols and David Baker — were placed on administrative leave for either firing their weapon or being on scene during the shooting.