Oregon State Police identifies trooper critically injured in crash during pursuit

(Update: Adding FBI special agent in charge statement)

ST. HELENS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon State Police on Friday identified a trooper who was critically injured Thursday afternoon when a fleeing suspect rammed his vehicle into a patrol car during a pursuit west of St. Helens.

The crash happened around 3:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 30 near milepost 31, troopers said.

Trooper John Jeffries was taken by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, where OSP said he was in critical condition.

Jeffries started with the Oregon State Police in March of 2021, after retiring from the FBI after 20 years of service.  He is currently duty stationed at the St. Helens worksite.

OSP said Jeffries and his wife have spent the last 25 years in Portland, where they raised their two sons. 

"Trooper Jeffries has spent his life in service to the public," OSP said. "The Oregon State Police asks that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.  We also ask for your prayers for Trooper Jeffries, his family, his friends as well as the entire OSP family."

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation. OSP said it was not releasing more information.

Statement by FBI Special Agent in Charge Kieran L. Ramsey
FBI - Oregon - 11/12/21 1:55 PM

Twenty-five years ago, Trooper Jeffries took an oath of office as FBI Special Agent Jeffries. As a young man, he joined the FBI with a mission to serve his country. As a case agent, pilot, firearms instructor, and SWAT team member, John served with honor. He was an agent’s agent – first in the door and always doing the right thing in the right way. He was a respected leader, and his retirement in 2016 was a loss for the FBI. 

John’s call to service didn’t end there, though. This year, John was driven by a sense of duty and purpose to join OSP as a new trooper, completing Oregon’s law enforcement academy alongside men and women who were as much as 30 years his junior.  

There are only two things John loves more than his law enforcement service – his family and his faith. Today and every day, OSP and the FBI will care for John and his family as he has cared for us. We are extremely grateful to the OSP, their leadership, and the OSP family, as they circle around Trooper Jeffries. The FBI joins OSP in asking the public for their love and support for John and his family as he recovers from these serious injuries. Please also give this family the privacy and space it needs to nurture his recovery.

OSP update, Saturday:

The Oregon State Police is requesting your continued prayers and support as we care for one of our own, Trooper John Jeffries and his family.   Trooper John Jeffries has dedicated his life to public service, but even more to his community. For the last 28 years, John has volunteered in various capacities at his church, the American Red Cross, and as a board member of a non-profit out of Tualatin, Oregon.

The extent and severity of Trooper Jeffries’ injuries are being determined.   His medical team will continue to monitor, evaluate and treat his visible injuries and the internal trauma caused as a result of the incident

“All Troopers recognize the risk we face each time we don our uniforms and report for duty, but accepting that risk does not make the fight Trooper Jeffries is currently battling any easier.  As minutes, hours and days go by, our prayers and support are with Trooper Jeffries and his family.”  expressed Superintendent Terri Davie. 

The Oregon State Police would like to thank the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI of Portland, the Portland Police Bureau as well as all of the first responders who were on scene, and the many medical professionals at the Hospital.