Portland police chief investigated for accidental shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say the Portland police chief accidentally shot a friend while hunting in Harney County in April.


Harney County Sheriff's Lt. Brian Needham says deputies were called to the Catlow Valley area about 80 miles south of Burns on the afternoon of April 21 for a shooting.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://goo.gl/dTjbhK) that a 54-year-old man was shot once in the back.

Needham confirmed Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea was the hunter who fired the shot that hit the man.

Portland police say O'Dea was on vacation when he had a "negligent discharge" from his .22-caliber rifle that injured one of his close friends.

Police say the wounded man was treated at a hospital and released.

In a statement, O'Dea said he's thankful his friend is OK and he's tremendously upset this happened.

Oregon State Police and the Oregon Justice Department are investigating.