Dramatic video shows the moment a SWAT vehicle rammed into a tractor during a tense standoff with a suspect accused of opening fire near an Oregon home.
Erik Gordon Shunn, 53, allegedly fired at multiple tree workers Saturday afternoon in an area south of Portland before confronting law enforcement officers who responded to the scene, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said. Authorities said more than 200 rounds were fired over the course of the incident.
Footage recorded by a CCSO drone appeared to show Shunn firing repeatedly toward the aircraft, officials said.
Shunn was later spotted operating a compact tractor near the front of his home when a CCSO SWAT vehicle drove into it, pinning the tractor against the house. Several SWAT team members quickly exited the rear of the vehicle and moved in to take him into custody.
Drone video appeared to show suspect Erik Shunn allegedly firing directly at the aircraft. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
According to officials, the Clackamas County SWAT Team responded to a report of an armed neighbor firing at professional arborists hired to cut down trees in a rural residential and farm area.
The 911 caller told dispatchers they believed Shunn had several guns, while witnesses estimated he fired roughly 20 rounds at tree company employees, officials said.
When the authorities arrived, drones allegedly spotted Shunn in his driveway.
He was seen “knocking down trees with a tractor in an apparent attempt to create a barricade,” according to the CCSO.
Authorities said they ultimately decided to pin Shunn’s tractor after he became separated from his rifle while driving it near the front of the home.
“SWAT personnel used this window of opportunity because they believed it provided the highest likelihood of safely apprehending Shunn,” CCSO officials said.
An armored SWAT vehicle collides with a tractor to apprehend Shunn. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
Shunn was treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
“First responders also checked on neighbors and tree workers to confirm their safety and evacuate them from the area,” CCSO said.
No injuries were reported. Shunn’s mother, who was also at the home during the standoff, was also unharmed, according to the sheriff’s office.
Shunn was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, recklessly endangering, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, unlawful possession of firearms, first-degree attempted criminal mischief, and interfering with a peace officer.
SWAT officers disembark an armored vehicle after pinning a suspect’s tractor. (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)
He is currently being held without bail at the Clackamas County Jail.