Police Chief Larry O'Dea Mistakenly Shot His Friend In the Back Last Month

Ashley Anderson

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So apparently Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea mistakenly shot a "very close friend" out in Harney County last month, but kept it largely on the down low.

Willamette Week first reported the incident this afternoon, after getting the police bureau to confirm the incident. It's not clear who O'Dea's friend is, but he is apparently okay.

The Oregonian reports the incident was full-on Cheney-esque: It apparently occurred April 21, while O'Dea was on a hunting trip. He shot his friend in the back, the O reports. Oregon State Police and the State Department of Justice are investigating.

Mayor Charlie Hales, who oversees Portland police, apparently knew about the incident shortly after it happened.

“Larry O’Dea is a great chief, who is heartsick over hurting a friend," is the only statement his office released.

Here's the police bureau's statement.

Chief Larry O’Dea was on vacation in late April in Harney County, when he had a negligent discharge from his .22 caliber rifle that injured one of his very close friends. The injured man was treated and released from the hospital and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident.



Chief O’Dea reported the incident to Mayor Charlie Hales and to the Portland Police Bureau’s Professional Standards Division Captain.



“I’m very thankful that my friend is ok and I’m tremendously upset this happened,” said Chief O’Dea.