MARION COUNTY, OR (April 25, 2022) - The Oregon State Police is reporting that on Monday, April 25, 2022, at approximately 6:15 A.M. a deputy U.S. Marshal requested deputies respond to the Flying J Truck Stop near Aurora after a suspect wanted for weapons offenses was seen in the parking lot. The suspect barricaded inside of a van in the parking lot when initially contacted by law enforcement officers and the Marion County Interagency SWAT Team responded to the scene.
Tactical negotiators with the SWAT team attempted to persuade the suspect to surrender safely over the course of the next few hours. After those efforts were unsuccessful, gas munitions were introduced into the van. At approximately 10:50 A.M. the suspect exited the van, at which point multiple shots were fired.
Woodburn Police Officer Jesse Ponce (31) was shot during the incident, suffering serious injuries. He was taken to a Portland area hospital for treatment where he underwent emergency surgery. He is stable and his injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. Officer Ponce has been with the Woodburn Police Department since 2017 and is a member of the Marion County Interagency SWAT Team.
The suspect was struck by gunfire. Law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel rendered medical aid to the suspect at the scene. The suspect did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased suspect has been identified as Micaiah Clinton (27) of Portland. He had outstanding warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and attempting to elude police.
Marion County Sheriff’s Officer Deputy Tyler Morrow was placed on administrative leave pursuant to Marion County SB 111 protocols. Tyler Morrow (32) is assigned to patrol and is a member of the SWAT team. He has been with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office since 2012.
“WPD is happy to report that Officer Ponce is out of surgery and resting comfortably at the hospital. We wish him a healthy recovery,” said Woodburn Police Chief Marty Pilcher. “Additionally, we are greatly appreciative of all the assistance we received this morning from EMS and our fellow law enforcement agencies.”
Sheriff Joe Kast stated, “Our hearts are with the Woodburn Police Department and Officer Ponce. We admire the courage the men and women in law enforcement show every day when they go to work, committed to protecting our community.”
The agencies on scene at the time of the shooting include the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Woodburn Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pursuant to Marion County SB 111 protocols, the Oregon State Police are leading the investigation in conjunction with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
This is an active investigation; no additional information is available for release at this time.
