GLADSTONE, OR (KPTV) -
A small memorial now marks the spot where a 23-year-old man was killed in an officer-involved shooting in front of his Gladstone home late Tuesday night.
Police have identified the man as Michael Evans. Officers were called to the house he shares with his grandmother on West Fairfield after reports of a domestic disturbance.
According to an update from Gladstone police, it was reported the man was "tearing the house apart." Police say shortly after officers arrived, they were confronted by Michael Evans armed with a knife.
A single officer fired multiple rounds and Michael Evans died on scene, according to police.
"He had some troubles, but he was basically a good kid," said his father, Dean Evans.
Dean Evans said had been trying to get a hold of his son all day, and decided to walk over at almost the exact time of the shooting.
"I was coming down for a visit, and this is what I ran into," said Dean Evans visibly distraught.
"I'm shocked; I don't know what to say," he said. "He had depression. He had some problems, but he didn't deserve this," said Dean Evans.
A number of neighbors heard the gunshots and walked over to see what had happened.
"There was a man and a woman screaming," recalled neighbor Liz Nass. "We heard four quick shots - bang, bang, bang, bang."
Mike Manley, who lives directly next door also heard the shots and looked out his window.
"My first concern was the direction he (the officer) was shooting," said Manley who told Fox 12 he later discovered a hole on the side of his home, the wall which encloses his daughter's bedroom.
"It really scares me that it was so close to my 5-year-old daughter's head," said Manley. "It could have been an even bigger tragedy."
Neighbors and friends said police knew Michael Evans well. They said he had mental health issues and had been in and out of trouble.
Court records show Michael Evans was on probation for convictions including reckless driving and attempting to elude a police officer.
In addition, a restraining order had been filed in March. In court documents obtained by Fox 12, his ex-girlfriend described him as "emotionally unstable" and said he attempted suicide several times, according to the restraining order petition.
She also said he physically hurt her and "has mental problems and cannot control himself," according to the petition.
"He was doing the best he could," said friend Kady Edwell who dropped off flowers at Michael Evans' home Wednesday.
"He always made me laugh," she recalled.
Neighbor Mike Manley said he was trying to turn his life around.
"He showed tons of signs of trying to," described Manley. "Sad it had to end like this."
Gladstone police say the two officers who responded Tuesday night, Steve Mixson and Christopher Spore, have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.
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