Marion Co. deputy cleared in traffic-stop shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A grand jury has cleared a Marion County sheriff’s sergeant of wrongdoing after he shot at a man who injured him during a traffic stop.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2pxWTRO) the grand jury determined Monday that Sgt. Jason Hickam was justified in firing his weapon toward Juan Francisco Martinez on April 7 near Woodburn.

Martinez was not injured and was arrested later that day.

Prosecutors say Hickam pulled Martinez over and told him his Cadillac Escalade would have to be towed because he didn’t have insurance.

They say Martinez began to drive away as Hickam’s arm was caught inside the SUV.

Hickam fired once toward the vehicle before being thrown to the ground. He was treated at a hospital and released.

Martinez faces several charges, including assaulting a public safety officer.