Milwaukie officers who shot unarmed suspect in the head cleared by jury

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two Milwaukie police officers who shot an unarmed suspect in the head, critically injuring him, were cleared of any criminal charges by a jury, authorities announced.

On September 30, 2024, the two officers were conducting a traffic stop in a Taco Bell parking lot when they pulled over 21-year-old Hunter Newton. Newton allegedly refused to leave the vehicle and resisted being physically removed from the car.

During the course of the traffic stop, the officers shot him, with Newton being placed in critical condition at the hospital.

The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office investigated the incident, later announcing that Newton was not armed at the time. He was accused of “driving with a misdemeanor suspended license,” the DA’s office said.

Newton’s family later released a statement, saying he was shot in the head and that a bullet was lodged in his brain and was considered inoperable. He remained in critical condition three weeks after the shooting. It’s unclear what Newton’s current medical status is.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Hunter Newton and his family, and we recognize the deep and lasting impact this event has had,” said Milwaukie Chief of Police Ryan Burdick. “We do not take lightly the impact a significant use of force has on so many.”

The conclusion of the criminal investigation related to the officers’ shooting comes after the Clackamas District Attorney’s Office asked the Oregon Department of Justice to assume prosecutorial responsibilities. The grand jury returned a “not true bill,” meaning they found that the officers had not committed crimes.

Though the criminal investigation has concluded, the Milwaukie Police Department said it will begin an internal administrative review of the incident as part of a use-of-force and policy review.