Oregon State Police I-5 Shooting Justified

Salem, Ore. — Oregon State Police Trooper Andrew Tuttle has been cleared of any wrongdoing by a Marion County Grand Jury in the April 10, 2023, shooting of 31-year-old Felipe Amezcua Manzo. The Grand Jury, which heard testimony from 12 witnesses, including the Salem Police Department who led the investigation, unanimously found that Trooper Tuttle was justified in his use of deadly physical force against Amezcua Manzo.

According to the evidence presented, Trooper Tuttle observed Amezcua Manzo in the roadway with a firearm in his hand, pointing it at the driver of a semi-trailer and a driver of a nearby SUV, before fleeing the scene. Trooper Tuttle gave chase, and after several verbal commands for Amezcua Manzo to surrender, he turned towards Trooper Tuttle and started firing his weapon. Trooper Tuttle returned fire and continued doing so until Amezcua Manzo fell to the ground. Amezcua Manzo was later pronounced dead at the scene.

While waiting for backup, a retired Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy joined Trooper Tuttle, and together they held Amezcua Manzo at gunpoint until backup officers arrived. No other motorists, bystanders or police officers were injured during the incident.

Trooper Tuttle sustained a minor abrasion to his left arm, and while it is unclear whether it was due to a bullet graze or fall, he did not require further medical attention. The evidence presented included multiple video exhibits, photographs, scene diagrams, dispatch recordings, ballistic information, and autopsy findings.

The Salem Police Department led the investigation, in accordance with Marion County’s Law Enforcement Use of Deadly Physical Force Response Plan, and requested by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.