Woodburn Officer Shot, Portland Man Killed During Standoff In Aurora

AURORA, OR — A Woodburn Police officer was shot and seriously wounded during a standoff Monday morning at the Flying J Truck Stop near Aurora, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. The officer was one of several law enforcement officers who responded after a wanted felon was spotted there.

The sheriff's office said that just after 6:15 a.m., Michaiah Clinton of Portland was seen there. He had outstanding warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and attempting to elude police.

As law enforcement officers arrived, Clinton headed into a van where he barricaded himself, according to the sheriff's office.

Over the next four hours, law enforcement officials said that deputies and officers tried to negotiate with Clinton. When deputies decided that it wasn't working, deputies fired gas munitions into the van, the sheriff's office..

Clinton then left the van and shots were exchanged, according to the sheriff's office. Jesse Ponce, who has been with Woodburn Police Department since 2017, was shot and seriously wounded in the exchange, according to the sheriff's office.

Ponce was rushed to a hospital in Portland where he was in serious condition as of Monday night, according to the Woodburn Police Department.

Meanwhile, deputies and others rushed to Clinton who was pronounced dead.

"WPD is happy to report that Officer Ponce is out of surgery and resting comfortably at the hospital," Woodburn Police chief Marty Pilcher said in a statement.

"Additionally, we are greatly appreciative of all the assistance we received from EMS and our fellow law enforcement agencies."

Marion County Sheriff Joe Kast praised the officers, deputies and marshals who were on scene.

"We admire the courage the men and women in law enforcement show every day when they go to work, committed to protecting our community," Kast said.