By Paula Mabry
As we head to press today here is the news from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office:
GUNMAN DIES FOLLOWING SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE IN SILVERTON RV PARK
At approximately 1:49 p.m. Feb. 25, the Willamette Valley Dispatch Center began receiving 911 calls from the residents at the Silver Spur RV Park. Callers reported a man carrying several firearms was walking through the park, randomly shooting at people and RVs. One caller reported at least one person was hit by gunfire.
The shooter was described as an adult male carrying two handguns and a rifle. Callers continued to provide call-takers with the shooter’s movements. This information was forwarded to Marion County Deputies as they responded. Officers from Silverton PD, Keizer PD and Troopers from the Oregon State Police also responded to assist.
The first units arrived on the scene within minutes of the first call. They located the shooter perched behind a picnic table on a small hill in the southwest part of the park. Upon seeing the Deputies, the shooter fired his rifle at them; one MCSO deputy returned fire. During the exchanges the shooter was hit. He was life-flighted to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland where he later died from his wounds. The name of the shooter is being withheld pending family notification.
There was one RV park for victim who was initially treated at the Silverton Hospital, then transferred to Legacy Emanuel in stable condition. This shooting remains an active investigation, and due to the law enforcement involvement, it will be conducted according to the Marion County SB 111 protocols – Keizer PD will be the lead investigative agency.
Whatever I was going to talk about for this issue has flown from mind. All I am left are questions: Why is it, when one hurts, the “solution” becomes to hurt others? Why is this the “easy” answer, and the others so much more difficult?
Silverton joins the list of communities with a “shooter storiy.” It could have been worse. It could have been better.
Bang. It breaks my heart.
