By Police1 Staff
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon State police released dash cam video showing a fatal shootout between an officer and suspect at a traffic stop.
Trooper Matt Zistel stopped John Van Allen on August 29, who was driving with his three children in the vehicle, according to Oregon Live.
Allen stepped out of his Cadillac and squared off, demanding to know why he had been stopped. He then advanced on the trooper, pulling a firearm from his waistband and firing at Zistel, who is off camera.
Zistel returned fire, shooting Allen in the chest. Allen returned to his vehicle and fled the scene.
“Shots fired, shots fired,” Zistel can be heard saying over the radio to the dispatcher. “I’ve been hit in the side. I’m OK.”
Responding officers found Allen in his vehicle about a half mile down on the highway’s shoulder, dead.
Allen’s family had no explanation for his actions, saying he was returning to his native South Carolina at the time. Allen had finished serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2012, according to the report.
Zistel, a five-year veteran, was treated for his injuries and is on administrative leave. He was found justified in shooting Allen.