One deputy has serious injuries but both are expected to survive

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two deputies are recovering in the hospital following a shootout with a suspect in the Hagg Lake area Thursday afternoon, authorities say.

One deputy is being treated for serious injuries and another deputy has non-life-threatening injuries, but the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said his prognosis is encouraging and he is receiving excellent care.

The deputies were shot off SW Scoggins Valley Road near the north end of Hagg Lake hours after starting a search for a suspect wanted for stealing guns, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, who was also shot, was taken into custody around 6 p.m., authorities said.

Three people were taken for treatment — one by Life Flight and 2 by ambulance. Both deputies are expected to survive. One deputy was taken to OHSU while the other was taken to a local hospital.

The suspect was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and underwent surgery. It’s unclear what condition he is currently in.

The only information released on the suspect is he is a white male, around his 30’s-40’s and was wearing camouflage.

Earlier on Thursday

The shootout happened not long after a homeowner in the 54700 block of SW Scoggins Valley Road in Gaston reported a man in his 30s or 40s wearing camouflage clothing had stolen guns from the property at 2:15 p.m., officials said.

The thief took 2 firearms — both “long guns” — from a locked gun cabinet outside of the home and then walked off into the woods, according to deputies.

Deputies went to the property and evacuated the family. They called in tactical teams for help.

Related Content Calls detail tense moments in Hagg Lake deputy shooting

Gunfire was exchanged near Hagg Lake about 2 hours later when the suspect opened fire on authorities, hitting 2 SWAT deputies. Other SWAT members returned fire and shot the suspect multiple times.

Deputy Brian Van Kleef said the shooter, despite being hit, ran off. He was caught with the help of K9 units and air support about 30 minutes later.

“Our priority right when our deputies were shot was getting them help and medevacing them out,” said Van Kleef.

Watch Sheriff Pat Garrett’s full press conference:

“Probably the worst day of my professional career.” Deputy Brian van kleef

Albert Bisaillon lives near where the shooting took place. He told KOIN 6 News he saw several law enforcment vehicles pass him as he was leaving his home on Thursday.

“It’s extremely unfortunate that you have officers involved that are hurt,” he said. “Anytime you have a serious incident like that, it makes you think about your surroundings a little more.”

The events of the day shocked both neighbors and authorities.

“I’m sure I’ll look back on this day as probably the worst day of my professional career,” said Deputy Van Kleef.

Authorities have not released the gunman’s identity.

The investigation is ongoing.