Suspect Wanted for Shooting Oregon Officer Found Dead

The suspect believed to have shot a Rainier, Ore., police officer in the chest and hand Monday afternoon along Highway 30 has been found dead, Oregon State Police said.

A Rainier officer and a reserve officer pulled over a red car near Veterans Way after the driver was reported to be operating the vehicle aggressively and erratically from Scappoose, Columbia River Fire and Rescue Chief Jay Tappan told the Oregonian .

The driver reportedly shot at Officer Russ George, who Tappan said put his hand up to block a bullet, but it went through his hand and hit his chest. George was wearing a bulletproof vest, and Oregon State Police spokesman Lieutenant Gregg Hastings said he was in serious condition but his injuries weren't considered life-threatening.

Authorities found the suspect dead about 5 p.m. near Clatskanie. The man, who has not been identified, was found near his vehicle, which had stopped near Hermo Road and Collings Road, south of Port Westward.

Officers had heard a single gunshot about two hours before, Tappan said.