Grand jury rules fatal Salem police shooting justified
Updated 2:32 PM;
By Les Zaitz | Salem Reporter
Natzeryt “Nat” Viertel stepped out of the shed at his south Salem home, aimed a shotgun at an approaching Salem firefighter and pulled the trigger.
There was only a click.
Salem firefighter Kyle Holestine retreated back out the driveway to the street - Southeast Ewald Avenue - on the evening of April 2, talking to Viertel all the while, trying to calm him.
Viertel, 22, instead racked the shotgun again, advancing on the firefighter.
Within moments, he aimed the shotgun at two Salem police officers, defying orders to drop the weapon.
Grand jury finds officer was justified in using deadly force
MARION COUNTY, Oregon (KPTV) On Friday a Marion County grand jury found that the police shooting of a suspect in April was a lawful and justified use of deadly force.
Police and fire crews say they responded to the 400 block of Ewald Avenue Southeast on April 2 after getting a report about a suicidal man who was identified as Natzeryt Viertel, 22, of Salem. When firefighters arrived before police, Viertel threatened them with a gun.
As police arrived to the scene, Viertel confronted them with a gun and Corporal Clinton Sealey shot and hit Viertel.