Jury: No criminal wrongdoing by Portland PD in fatal shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Multnomah County grand jury has found no criminal wrongdoing by Portland police who fatally shot Lane Martin in the courtyard of a Portland apartment complex.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the grand jury determined Monday the July 30 fatal shooting by officer Gary Doran was “a lawful act of self-defense and/or defense of a third person,” according to the district attorney’s office.

Officer witnesses said in police reports that Martin was cornered in the courtyard by police and was shot after he took steps with a knife.

After the grand jury findings were made public, Martin’s family filed a federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the city and police, alleging police used excessive force against the 31-year-old who they say was suffering a psychotic break when police encountered him.

It also alleges disability discrimination, accusing the city of failing to de-escalate the encounter with Martin, considering his mental illness.

AP Only 2019