BURNS, OR -- Deschutes County’s Major Incident Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of militant frontman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum. Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson spoke with KBND News from Harney County, Wednesday afternoon. He says Oregon State Police requested his team about 30 minutes after that deadly traffic stop, north of Burns.
He tells KBND News his agency has a very specific purpose, right now. "Our office is overseeing the officer-involved shooting aspect. We’re being helped with the Major Incident Team of Deschutes County and several people combined to assist in that – Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department the State Police and other agencies that came over here to help us investigate this scene."
"They [OSP] reached out to our partners that are a part of our Major Incident Team from Deschutes County," Sheriff Nelson says. "And they have been wonderful in committing resources to come over here and continue this investigation in partnership with Oregon State Police and any other agencies."
Sheriff Nelson stood behind Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward during Wednesday's press conference. He has continually supported Sheriff Ward, as has the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association. "OSSA stands together in supporting Sheriff Ward. I think he has shown tremendous strength. I admire his leadership abilities and his strong partnership with his community."
