A grand jury on Friday ruled that a Salem Police officer was justified in using deadly force in the shooting death of a man in South Salem earlier this month.
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.
22-year-old man identified as victim of Salem police shooting
Updated 5:02 PM;
Natzeryt Viertel, 22, died Friday after Salem Police Corporal Clinton Sealey shot him in the 400 block of Ewald Avenue Southeast.
Sealey, as well as Sgt. Steven Galvin, who did not fire a gun, are on paid administrative leave while Oregon State Police investigates the shooting.
According to state police, Salem police officers and firefighters responded around 5:15 p.m. to reports of a suicidal man who had injured himself. Firefighters arrived at the scene before police, and Viertel threatened them with a gun, a state police news release said.
After officers arrived, Viertel confronted them, according to the state police. He was still armed, and Sealey, the Salem officer, shot him. He died at the scene.
Man shot, killed by Salem police ID d, 2 officers on leave
April 6, 2021
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SALEM, Ore. (AP) A man shot and killed by a Salem police officer on Friday has been publicly identified as 22-year-old Natzeryt Viertel of Salem, authorities said.
The Stateman Journal reports two Salem police officers have been placed on leave, according to Oregon State Police officials.
Reports show police and medics responded at about 5:15 p.m. following reports Viertel had hurt himself.
State police said Viertel allegedly threatened firefighters with a firearm and confronted officers, including Corporal Clinton Sealey, who fired and hit Viertel.
Medics attempted lifesaving measures, but Viertel died at the scene. No one else was hurt.