Throughout the early morning hours of November 3, 2017 detectives with the Central Oregon Major Incident Team investigated an officer-involved shooting in Madras Oregon.
The incident started on Highway 97 near Lava Butte where a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a previously reported stolen vehicle traveling north on Highway 97. A second stolen car was noticed traveling northbound near the first reported vehicle by a second Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy. Both cars were followed north onto the Bend Parkway. The stolen vehicles were a 2007 Toyota Highlander and a 2004 Chevrolet Venture (minivan).
Officers from the Bend Police Department assisted the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to stop both vehicles. The Toyota Highlander stopped on the Parkway near Robal Road. The occupant of this vehicle was taken into custody without incident during a high-risk stop. This occupant was identified as Corey Joseph Gallagher, who was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for Criminal Conspiracy, Theft I and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle.
The Chevrolet Venture continued north on Highway 97 disregarding multiple police officers attempting to stop it. Law enforcement was able to successfully deploy the spike strips on multiple occasions during the duration of the pursuit on this vehicle.
The Chevrolet Venture continued northbound on Highway 97 as it was pursued by the Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to going into Jefferson County, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office discontinued their pursuit of the van. As the pursuit entered Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office joined the Oregon State Police in pursuit of the minivan.
The minivan continued into Madras, where it lost control and came to rest at L Street at Highway 97. The suspect, armed with a semi-automatic pistol, exited the minivan and confronted the officers. Both an Oregon State Police Sergeant and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy discharged their firearms at the suspect. The suspect was airlifted to St Charles Bend for injuries sustained during the officer-involved shooting. The condition of the suspect is not known at this time. The suspect’s firearm was located at the scene.
The occupant of the minivan was identified as Christopher James Thomas Sweeney, an 18-year-old Sunriver resident.
The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation. This is standard procedure and consistent with Senate Bill 111 investigation protocols.
Because this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time.