Testimony in Portland police shooting shows chaotic scene

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Grand jury testimony released by a district attorney into the fatal shooting by university police of a black man during a brawl outside a Portland bar describes a chaotic scene in which the two officers had to make a split-second decision when they saw a pistol in the man’s hand.

The grand jury ruled on Sept. 13 that Portland State University officers James Dewey and Shawn McKenzie should not face criminal charges in the June 29 shooting of Jason Erik Washington, who had a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Washington was trying to break up a fight involving a friend, who had handed Washington his holstered pistol right before the brawl. Witnesses testified that Washington fell over in the melee and the pistol hit the sidewalk. Dewey and McKenzie said he had the pistol in his hand when he stood back up and pointed it at them.