Witnesses sought after man dies in Columbia County chase, deputy-involved shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Amid an investigation into a high-speed chase that ended with a deputy-involved shooting on Sunday, Oregon State Police is searching for witnesses to the Columbia County incident.

On July 20, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office pursued a white Kia Optima on Canaan Road near Highway 30 in Deer Island.

Authorities said the armed suspect – 47-year-old Kyle Graham – lost control of the car, driving down an embankment, before coming to a stop near Merrill Creek.

An officer confronted Graham, “and shots were fired, striking Graham,” Oregon State Police said, noting additional officers from Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Rainer Police Department arrived on the scene.

Despite life-saving measures from first responders, Graham died at the scene, officials said, adding that no officers were injured in the shooting.

Authorities said Graham had eluded Washington State Patrol officers across the Lewis and Clark Bridge from Washington into Oregon the day before the Columbia County shooting.

Deputy Seann Luedke from Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has been placed on administrative leave per standard protocol, OSP said, noting the officer has been with the office for three years and has previous Oregon law enforcement experience.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Oregon State Police.