Joce Johnson

Statesman Journal

The victim of an alleged burglary shot at the suspect's vehicle twice as it drove away early Tuesday morning and the Marion County Sheriff's Office is still looking for the suspect.

On Monday, 48-year-old Bradley Russell of Salem found the lock on the gate to his property on Sandringham Drive NE had been cut and ATV wheels and tires had been taken.

Around 4 a.m. Tuesday, Russell heard noises outside of his home and went outside to check. He found that his locked gate had again been cut and a purple Toyota Forerunner was driving away from his property. He saw that he was missing another wheel and tire and then went into his home to get a shotgun and waited outside for the suspect to return.

Russell said he saw the suspect vehicle drive by about 15 minutes later. He then stepped into the street to get the vehicle to stop, but it instead struck him in the leg causing minor injury. As it passed he shot the vehicle in the rear and driver's side areas.

The Forerunner is a model from the 2000s with an unknown license plate. It also has a bright LED license plate light and damage to the rear glass window and drivers side tail light from Russell's shots. The driver was described as a Hispanic male 20 to 30 years old.

Sgt. Chris Baldridge of the Marion County Sheriff's Office said that Russell was within his rights to shoot at the vehicles as deputies considered it an act of self defense. However, they recommend that anyone who has fallen victim to a crime should call 911

"Our first suggestion is going to call 911 and let us put ourselves in harm's way," Baldridge said.

The sheriff's office urges anyone who knows the vehicle or witnessed the incident to call (503) 588-5032.