The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A suspected truck thief was shot and killed by police early Thursday after two officers were wounded, officials said.
Willie Thomas Grigsby, 24, shot at police during a foot chase about 1 a.m. and officers returned fire, killing him, according to Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau spokesman.
One officer was shot in the leg and another was grazed by a bullet but their injuries were not life-threatening. Both were taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for treatment but their names were being withheld until Friday, Schmautz said.
As many as 15 Portland officers were involved and investigators still had not determined who fired the shot, or shots, that killed Grigsby, Schmautz said.
A chase began after officers spotted a late model pickup truck that had been reported stolen in Clackamas County. Officers started chasing the truck and the suspect eventually crashed into a house.
The man got out of the car and fled on foot before pulling out his gun at one of the busiest intersections in Portland, Schmautz said.
Witnesses reported hearing numerous shots.
“I heard at least 10 to 15" shots, said MyJohn Polite, who was in the area when the shooting happened.
“I mean it seriously was kind of rapid fire. It was really back-to-back - pow, pow, pow, pow - so yeah, it was pretty intense,” Polite told KATU-TV.