An Oregon State Police (OSP) lieutenant from Pendleton was presented Tuesday with the Department’s Holly V. Holcomb Award in recognition of his professional response last year during a potentially deadly confrontation with an armed and dangerous suspect near Madras.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OSP
On April 26, 2013, a 56-year old fugitive wanted on an out-of-state warrant was being sought by OSP, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, and Warm Springs Police Department after eluding officers in a remote, wooded area. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also activated an airplane to assist with the search from the air after the suspect fled from a vehicle on foot.
During the two-hour search, Turner took charge of a rapidly escalating situation. The man, who was armed with a firearm, was spotted in the area east of Highway 97 northeast of Madras. During the encounter with the armed suspect, Turner shot and injured the man. After the shooting, Turner and assisting troopers rendered emergency medical care until relieved by paramedics and the wanted suspect was transported to a hospital.
“Mike’s courage and leadership displayed in the line of duty during this potentially volatile situation may have prevented injury or death to his fellow officers and citizens who were in the area,” said Superintendent Richard Evans.
Turner, age 37, joined OSP in 1999. At the time of the incident, he was working as a patrol sergeant at the Bend Area Command office. He was later promoted to lieutenant and his current assignment as the Area Commander at the Pendleton office.
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