Death Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 / 6:30am

CONTACT
Jason Hays
Lieutenant - La Grande Police Department
541-963-1017 / office    jhays@cityoflagrande.org

DEATH INVESTIGATION

This morning, Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 at approximately 6:06AM, a male caller contacted 911 to report he was going to kill himself.  The caller also stated he had a gun and he was in the street in front of his house.  The 911 dispatcher then heard a gunshot over the phone and immediately dispatched La Grande Police Department officers to the scene.

Officers arrived moments later and found a male lying in the street on the 1900 block of Penn Avenue with a single gun shot wound to his head.  La Grande Police Department officers were assisted by the La Grande Fire Department ambulance crew, who quickly initiated emergency medical care. 

The emergency crews were unable to revive the male and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.  A handgun was located next to the deceased male.  The scene was secured and a comprehensive death investigation is being conducted by the detectives from La Grande Police Department. 

The La Grande Police Department respectfully requests citizens avoid the area of the 1900 block of E. Penn Avenue between N. Cherry Street and E. Balm Avenue, until this investigation is complete.   The name of the deceased male is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone who may have information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Scott Norton at the La Grande Police Department (541.963.1017).  

###