Hillsboro Police Exchange Gunfire With Suspect During Welfare Check

The officer and the suspect both survived the shooting.

Salem-News.com

(HILLSBORO, Ore.) - Hillsboro police and Washington County Sheriff's deputies were involved in a shooting today around 4:50 p.m., while responding to a welfare check of a distraught man in the 600 block of north 1st Avenue in Hillsboro.

Police say the subject's therapist called police asking for the check because of his recent agitated mental state.

Officers say they were fired upon while attempting to contact the suspect, 45-year old Sepp Dietrich Tokanaga, who also reportedly uses the name Michael Patrick Smith.

According to a news release from Lt. Michael Rouches with Hillsboro Police, "Officers responded to the deadly threat and returned fire."

Officer Justin Morris, age 33, who has been with Hillsboro Police for five years, was struck in the shoulder as a result of this gunfire. He was transported to Emanuel hospital via ambulance, had surgery and was released. He is expected to make a full recovery, according to Rouches.

Tokanaga was stuck in the leg by gunfire as the result of the shooting and was taken to OHSU via ambulance. His injury is not life threatening and he is expected to recover.

Rouches said, "Officers were able to contain the scene and Portland EDU responded to render grenades left behind by the suspect at scene."

He added, "Detectives from Hillsboro police, Tigard police, Washington County Major crimes Team are investigating along with the Washington County CART Team. This investigation continues."

Further details of the case will be made available as the investigation continues.