OSP releases video of Klamath County shootout that wounded trooper, killed suspect
Grand jury found shooting justified; wounded trooper, others returning to work
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon State Police on Wednesday released dramatic in-car and body camera footage from last month's officer-involved shooting near Klamath Falls in which a gunman fired at least 36 shots at pursuing officers, wounding one, before he was shot and killed.
The April 10 video shows police pursuing Matthew Goff near Klamath Falls, as he allegedly was driving drunk and had just committed an assault. His 6-year-old child was in the car with him at the time.
A grand jury later found the use of deadly force by OSP Trooper Justin Henrick and and Klamath County sheriff's Deputy Maria Gray was justified.
Klamath County District Attorney Eve Costello said deputies were called around 4:15 p.m. to check on a reported domestic disturbance, with an initial indication that an intoxicated man was trying to take his children. He had left by the time deputies arrived.
An OSP trooper spotted the car, but the driver refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit.
The grand jury's report said "pursuing officers observed aggressive, threatening and irrational behaviors" by Goff, who was "driving recklessly and at extremely high speeds."
Deputies deployed a spike strip on Highway 97, and Goff's car came to a stop on Wocus Road, at which time he got out of the car and "fired numerous shots at the officers," who returned fire, Costello said.
The grand jury said "Goff was armed with an AR-15-style weapon and was in possession of a total of 10 fully loaded magazines and more than 250 rounds of ammunition." It noted he "fired at least 36 rounds into three vehicles" occupied by three OSP troopers, one of whom was hit, and two deputies.
Law enforcement returned fire and Goff also was wounded. Though officers attempted life-saving measures, he died at the scene.
"We regret the circumstances that forced Trooper Henrick and Deputy Gray into a decision law enforcement never wants to make, and are thankful that all officers involved are safe," the grand jury's statement concluded.
OSP said in its Facebook posting that the video compilation "underscores the dangers faced by officers as they patrol our communities."
“I don’t think I’m alone when I admit my heart skipped a beat when I first viewed this video,” said OSP Superintendent Travis Hampton. “I credit the professionalism and remarkable bravery of the Oregon State Police Troopers and Klamath County Deputy Sheriffs that brought this violent event to end.”
OSP said it looks forward to welcoming the troopers, who had been on administrative leave, back to work, including the one wounded in the exchange of gunfire. They also thanked the community of Klamath Falls for its outpouring of support, especially the medical professionals that cared for the injured trooper.
