Newly released video shows the tense moment a SWAT vehicle rammed into a tractor during a standoff with a man accused of opening fire near an Oregon home.
Erik Gordon Shunn, 53, allegedly fired at several tree workers Saturday afternoon in an area south of Portland before engaging with deputies, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities said more than 200 rounds were fired over the course of the incident.
Drone footage released by the sheriff’s office appears to show Shunn shooting repeatedly toward the unmanned aircraft as it hovered above the scene, officials said.
Later in the standoff, Shunn was seen operating a small tractor near the front of his residence. Moments later, a Clackamas County SWAT vehicle struck the tractor and pinned it against the house, allowing several SWAT team members to jump out and move in to take him into custody.
Drone video shows suspect Erik Shunn allegedly firing toward the aircraft. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
The Clackamas County SWAT Team had been called to the rural residential and farming area after reports that an armed neighbor was shooting at professional arborists who had been hired to remove trees, officials said.
The person who called 911 told dispatchers they believed Shunn had multiple firearms. Witnesses also reported that he fired about 20 rounds toward employees of the tree service company, according to investigators.
When deputies arrived, sheriff’s office drones allegedly located Shunn in his driveway, setting off the confrontation captured in the video.
He was seen “knocking down trees with a tractor in an apparent attempt to create a barricade,” according to the CCSO.
Authorities said they ultimately decided to pin Shunn’s tractor after he became separated from his rifle while driving it near the front of the home.
“SWAT personnel used this window of opportunity because they believed it provided the highest likelihood of safely apprehending Shunn,” CCSO officials said.
An armored SWAT vehicle collides with a tractor to apprehend Shunn. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
Shunn was treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
“First responders also checked on neighbors and tree workers to confirm their safety and evacuate them from the area,” CCSO said.
No injuries were reported. Shunn’s mother, who was also at the home during the standoff, was also unharmed, according to the sheriff’s office.
Shunn was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, recklessly endangering, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, unlawful possession of firearms, first-degree attempted criminal mischief, and interfering with a peace officer.
SWAT officers disembark an armored vehicle after pinning a suspect’s tractor. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
He is currently being held without bail at the Clackamas County Jail.
