LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — Authorities searched a western Oregon town Monday for a man suspected of shooting and wounding a Lincoln City police officer during a traffic stop on a coastal highway, state police said Monday.
Roads around Waldport were closed. The start of school was delayed two hours but classes were ultimately called off. Police have advised residents to call 911 immediately if they see anyone suspicious.
Lt. Gregg Hastings, a state police spokesman, said investigators are trying to locate and interview the registered owner of the vehicle driven by the suspect: David Anthony Durham, 43, who was described as white male, about 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds.
Police released the vehicle owner’s name and photograph to help confirm he is safe and to interview him to learn if he has information to help identify and locate the suspect, Hastings said.
The officer was shot more than once after he pulled over a car for speeding about 11 p.m. Sunday. The 45-year-old officer has been flown to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, about 150 miles northeast of Waldport. He is reported in critical condition, and his family and fellow officers are at the hospital, police said.
The suspect vehicle, a 1984 Dodge SUV, took off south on Highway 101. It was spotted by Newport police, and several shots were fired at officers in the chase. None were hit.
Copyright 2011 Associated Press