Grand jury: Trooper justified in shooting Salem man

A grand jury in Marion County has ruled that an Oregon State Police trooper was justified in shooting and killing a 22-year-old man from Salem, Matthew Walter Wong. The incident occurred on February 27 near the Gov. Ted Kulongoski Army Aviation Training Center. Police responded to reports that Wong had given a threatening note to a guard at a National Guard Air Station. The note suggested he would give the guard ten minutes to decide on a matter related to "laying down arms." Officers were informed that Wong had a previous encounter in the area and an active arrest warrant for unlawful use of a weapon. When Trooper Justin Oxenrider arrived, he found Wong and asked him to take his hands out of his pockets. Wong refused and attempted to walk away. Oxenrider then drew his taser but missed when Wong pulled out a knife. According to the officer, Wong charged at him with the knife, leading to a struggle. Oxenrider fired his gun after Wong turned back in an aggressive manner. Wong was struck by two bullets and died at the scene, while no bystanders or officers were injured. The grand jury concluded that Oxenrider acted appropriately and had exhausted all other options. District Attorney Paige Clarkson expressed her condolences, highlighting the tragic nature of the situation and the broader issues related to mental health. Oxenrider, a trooper for 18 years, had been involved in another fatal shooting in 2013, which was also ruled justified.