The Portland Police Bureau has released the names of the officers involved in the fatal shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center last month. Justin Thurman, Timothy Hoerauf, and Seth Wingfield were the officers who fired their weapons at the 33-year-old man suspected of shooting and killing a security officer at the hospital. The tragic incident unfolded when reports came in about a man threatening the hospital staff. The suspect, later identified as Austin De Dios, fired a gun inside the medical center, leading to the death of the security officer and injuring another employee.
After the shooting, De Dios managed to flee the scene while law enforcement rapidly descended upon the Northwest Portland facility. Following a police chase, authorities caught up with De Dios in Gresham, near a U.S. Bank branch on Northeast 181st Avenue. Eyewitnesses reported a tense standoff between the police and De Dios, who was inside a white and maroon van. Moments later, three gunshots were heard, and De Dios succumbed to his wounds at the scene. It remains unclear whether he reached for a weapon during the confrontation.
More details about De Dios began to emerge, revealing a troubling past. Court records indicate that he had a criminal history and struggled with mental illness. Ashley Heil, who was six months pregnant at the time, had previously obtained a restraining order against De Dios, citing his “anti-government and anger issues.” She had concerns about the safety of her children in light of his behavior.
The Portland Police Bureau is currently investigating the shooting in Gresham. Thurman, Hoerauf, and Wingfield, all with extensive experience within the bureau, have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident marks the second fatal police shooting in Portland this year, following four cases in the previous year.
While this event has gripped the community, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. The loss of life is an unfortunate outcome, but the officers’ swift response aimed to protect both hospital staff and the wider public from further harm.
As the investigation continues, authorities will delve into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, seeking to shed light on the events leading up to the shooting and ensure accountability where necessary.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
