SALEM, Ore. -- A grand jury has cleared a Salem police officer in the fatal shooting of a man described in a 911 call as suicidal and armed.
The Salem Statesman Journal reported the grand jury found that 27-year-old Chase Hammer ignored police orders to stop and show his hands on Oct. 21. Instead, authorities said, he reached behind his back to pull out a gun and raised it toward officers.
Police Cpl. Ryan Demmer fired twice at Hammer from 10 to 15 feet away, hitting him both times.
The district attorney's office says a toxicology report showed Hammer under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Sister Maria Hammer said the family was disappointed by the finding and is talking to lawyers.
