Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues their investigation into the shooting death of a rancher by authorities in Harney County. They released the following info Tuesday:
DCSO was asked by the Oregon State Police to lead the investigation into the officer involved shooting on January 26, 2016 in Harney County.
DCSO reached out to agencies on the Tri-County Major Incident Team*. Resources from The Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, and Oregon State Police provided resources for the Major Incident Team investigation (all are agencies from within Deschutes County).
DCSO has received a number of requests for information and or release of evidence. At this time, we will not release any further information on the investigation.
“Our office continues to lead the Major Incident Team on the Harney county officer-involved shooting investigation. This is an on-going investigation and in order to maintain its integrity, no further information will be released until a thorough investigation and review is completed by Malheur County District Attorney, Dan Norris,” stated Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Malheur County District Attorney Dan Norris stated, “All pertinent reports will be released to the public when the investigation is complete.” These investigations take a considerable amount of time. It is expected to be at least 4 to 6 weeks before this information is likely to be released. Any updates or release of information will be released through www.flashalertbend.net.
*The Tri-County Major Incident Team is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices and District Attorneys; the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Black Butte Ranch, Sunriver and Warm Spring Police Departments and the Oregon State Police. The purpose of the Tri-County Major Incident Team is to allow agencies access to additional investigative resources during major incidents.
