DA Hummel clears DCSO deputy in Alfalfa-area shooting of fugitive

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel announced his decision Friday on a fugitive's shooting by a Deschutes County sheriff's deputy last month, saying the act was justified under state law.

On Dec. 16, DCSO Deputy Mike Mangin shot 47-year -old Steven Eugene Newburg, a Bend resident who was wanted on a Washington state warrant, and the subject of an Alfalfa-area manhunt and public alert to residents in the area of Deer Lane the previous day.

Hummel said Newburg pulled a knife after being spotted and approached by DCSO deputies Mike Mangin and Clint Baltzor on BLM land west of Bend Road.

"When they got within 20 feet of him, Deputy Mangin yelled, 'Steve Newburg, you're under arrest!'" Hummel said.

Hummel said Newburg responded by flipping open the right side of his jacket and brandishing a knife.

"Mr. Newburg extended that knife in his right hand and took a step toward Deputy Mangin," Hummel said. "Took a step right toward him."

Mangin then fired one round, striking Newburg's left shoulder.

Baltzar also fired a less-lethal weapon at Newburg in what Hummel describes as a "bean-bag launcher."

Newburg then held his knife to his throat, asking deputies to continue to shoot him, the district attorney said.

Bend Police Sgt. Tommy Russell and Officer Jacob Koehler then arrived and started recording the incident with body cameras.

When Newburg started to move, leaving his knife behind, officers tackled him and took him into custody.

Hummel said the shooting was authorized under Oregon's self-defense law.

"Deputy Mangin fired his gun because he needed to do so to protect his life," Hummel said. "He only fired one round, because one round stopped the threat."

Newburg has fully recovered from his bullet wound to the left shoulder, which can be seen here from the deputy's body cam. (Warning: The material may be graphic for some viewers.)

“The best news about this incident is that Steven Newburg made a full recovery from the relatively minor injury he sustained from a bullet wound, and no officers were injured," Hummel said in a statement.

"The restraint and compassion shown by the involved officers and deputies was striking and commendable,” he added. 

You can read his full findings here: http://www.dcda.us/c5/files/2816/1073/6761/District_Attorney_Decision_Dec_16_2020_DCSO.pdf