Suspect Shot After Attempt to Run Over Deputy

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Matthew S. Derby (Klamath County Sherriffs Office)

Klamath Falls, Ore - On December 13, 2017 at approximately 7:42pm, 911 received a call regarding a male suspect in the Albertson’s parking lot (5500 So. 6th Street) who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance and attempting to enter vehicles.  Moments later, 911 was notified the suspect stole a vehicle.  Responding officers began to search for the suspect, later identified as Matthew S. Derby (DOB: June 3, 1985).

A deputy from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office located the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop Mr. Derby at approximately 8:00pm.  Mr. Derby failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.  As Mr. Derby fled the deputy, he endangered the public by driving at a high rate of speed, driving through parking lots, and driving the wrong direction on the roadway.

As Mr. Derby drove west on South 6th Street across the viaduct, he lost control of the stolen vehicle and spun within the roadway at S. Broad Street.  A deputy with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office exited his vehicle to take Mr. Derby into custody.  Mr. Derby accelerated the stolen vehicle in the direction of the deputy.  The deputy fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Derby.

Mr. Derby’s vehicle came to a rest against a utility pole on the opposite side of the street and he was taken into custody.  An Oregon State Trooper provided life sustaining aid until the arrival of medical personnel.  Mr. Derby transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center then to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon.  Mr. Derby is in critical but stable condition and the deputy is unharmed.

Standard procedures for reviewing an officer involved shooting are in place.  The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated with the Klamath Falls Police Department leading the investigation.  The Klamath County District Attorney’s office intends to pursue charges against Mr. Derby, to include Unlawful Use of a Vehicle, Recklessly Endangering, and Attempted Aggravated Murder.  Mr. Derby was also wanted on an outstanding federal parole arrest warrant at the time of the incident.     

Any inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to Eve Costello, Klamath County District Attorney.  As this is an on-going investigation, limited information is currently available in an effort to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Press release from Klamath County District Attorney, Eve Costello.