Dead suspect in Oregon cop's shooting identified as Washington man; motive a mystery

(Photo: KPTV/Portland)



PORTLAND -- The body of the suspect in the shooting and wounding of a Rainier, Ore., police officer was identified Tuesday as Christopher Eugene Elliott, 30, of Waitsburg, Wash.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office said Elliott died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

The Oregon State Police said Elliott had no outstanding warrants and there is no confirmed motive for the officer's shooting.

At about 5 p.m. Monday, Elliott's body was found by members of the Oregon State Police SWAT team searching an area of tall grass about a quarter-mile from where a vehicle he was driving was abandoned. A handgun was found near his body.

Police said that at about 12:30 p.m., Elliott had fled in his car from a traffic stop following the shooting of Rainier, Ore., police officer Russ George. The vehicle was found abandoned outside of Clatskanie on a dirt road.

Police said George remains in fair condition at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Accompanied by a Reserve Officer on patrol, George stopped a car driven by Elliott on Highway 30 near Veterans Way related to reports of driving complaints. As George approached the car, police said, Elliott shot the officer in his right hand. The bullet traveled through his hand and struck him in the chest, which was protected by a ballistic vest.

Following the shooting, George drove to a local hospital in Longview, Wash., from where he was taken by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.