The Oregon State Police looks forward to welcoming our Troopers involved in this incident back to work, including our Trooper that was wounded in the gunfire exchange.
The released in-car and body camera from involved OSP members underscores the dangers faced by officers as they patrol our communities. “I don’t think I’m alone when I admit my heart skipped a beat when I first viewed this video,” said Oregon State Superintendent Travis Hampton.
The incident was captured on Friday, April 10th, just after 4:00 pm, after deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in which an intoxicated male was reportedly trying to take his child.
When Deputies arrived on scene it was discovered that the suspect had already fled with a 6-year-old child and a rifle.
A pursuit began on north Hwy. 97 after an Oregon State Police Trooper identified the suspect’s vehicle. As Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputies joined the Oregon State Police in pursuit a spike strip was deployed that stopped the vehicle.
The suspect got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the officers.
The suspect, later determined to be Matthew Brennon Goff, fired 3 dozen rounds striking 3 occupied Klamath Sheriff and Oregon State Police vehicles.
One officer was injured. The suspect was declared dead at the scene. The child was unharmed. The officers involved had been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Oregon State Superintendent Travis Hampton. “I credit the professionalism and remarkable bravery of the Oregon State Police Troopers and Klamath County Deputy Sheriffs that brought this violent event to end.”
The Oregon State Police would like to thank the community of Klamath Falls for the outpouring of support, especially the medical professionals that cared for our injured Trooper.
The Oregon State Police office in Klamath Falls typifies the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the men and women of the agency- sparsely assigned to communities all over Oregon.
