Police shooting west of Eugene ruled justified

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EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Lane County prosecutors decided a sheriff's deputy was justified in shooting a man during a confrontation west of Eugene.

Deputy Jason Wilson fired five shots at Bix Barker after the 56-year-old reportedly raised a rifle toward deputies and threatened to blow up a propane tank.

Two rounds hit Barker near his shoulders, while the third struck him in the leg. Barker remains hospitalized in serious condition at a Springfield hospital.

Police described Barker as a transient, but court records show he previously lived at the home where he reportedly argued with a relative before getting shot Sunday.

Charges have yet to be filed against Barker.

 

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