Investigative Response Team report indicates during the crime scene investigation, a Glock model 23, .40 caliber handgun was found near the deceased
More details are emerging in the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that took place Thursday in Hazel Dell that claimed the life of 21-year-old Kevin E. Peterson Jr., a resident of Camas.
The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT) with assistance from the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team and the Washington State Patrol, is investigating the officer-involved shooting that took place just before 6 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of the US Bank building located in the 6800 block of Northeast Highway 99.
Battle Ground Police Chief Mike Fort is the acting public information officer for the SWIIRT investigation. On Friday evening, Fort issued a statement with new details about the incident.
According to the SWIIRT report, deputies and officers from the Regional Drug Task Force office suspected Peterson Jr. of selling illegal drugs in the parking lot of the Quality Inn motel, located near the US Bank branch. Peterson Jr. was alone in his vehicle when he was contacted by police. When contacted, Peterson Jr. fled on foot, with officers and deputies in pursuit close behind. Soon after the foot chase began, Peterson Jr. allegedly produced a handgun, and the officers backed off.
A short time later, Peterson Jr. encountered three Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who all discharged their pistols. During the crime scene investigation, a Glock model 23, .40 caliber pistol was found near the deceased by independent crime scene investigators.
On Friday, Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins issued a statement. In his statement, Atkins indicated that Peterson Jr. fired his handgun at officers before he was shot.
All involved deputies have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard while the investigation is underway. The Independent Investigation Team has been in contact with the family. The independent investigation is ongoing.
If anyone has information about this incident, contact tips@cityofbg.org.
Information provided by city of Battle Ground.
