Dramatic video: Suspect opens fire on state trooper in I-84 shootout



THE DALLES, Ore. (KPTV) -- John Allen II was stopped for speeding on Interstate 84 near The Dalles -- and then he got outside of his car and faced the Oregon State Police trooper who pulled him over.

"Sir, please get back in your car for me," trooper Matthew Zistel repeatedly implored Allen, who was standing outside his car with his right hand behind his back in that confrontation.

Image from dashcam video. (Oregon State Police)



In the moments that followed, Allen, 34, pulled a gun from his rear waistband and opened fire on Zistel. Zistel returned fire, hitting Allen. The suspect ran back to his car and drove off as Zistel radioed for help.

The dramatic and deadly scene was captured on the trooper's dashboard camera on Aug. 29 and was released by the Oregon State Police Thursday.

Allen, wearing camouflaged military fatigues, drove about a half-mile down the freeway before stopping. He was found dead in his car from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Three children between the ages of 10 and 15 were also in the car. They were not hurt.

Zistel was shot on the right side of his chest, but did not suffer serious injuries.

The Sherman County District Attorney ruled the trooper's use of deadly force was justified in this case. Zistel has worked for OSP for five years.

Allen previously lived in South Carolina and Pennsylvania, but he most recently lived in the Portland area.