SALEM, OR (KPTV) -
A Marion County grand jury has found three Salem police officers justified in using deadly force.
Officers Ben Ruddell, Brian Bidiman and Sgt. Jason VanMeter were unanimously cleared Thursday for the shooting on Sept. 13.
They were called to the 2400 block of Fourth Street Northeast in Salem on Sept. 13 on reports of a man with a rifle.
Officers said Rick Howell, also known as Ricky Wulf Howell and Ricky Wayne Lewis Jr., had an outstanding warrant for methamphetamine possession out of Marion County.
As they searched the home, investigators said Howell fired multiple rounds at the officers.
They returned fire, hitting Howell twice.
He was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. He was released that same night and taken to the Marion County Jail.
None of the officers were shot, but Ruddell was injured during the confrontation.
The same grand jury that found the officers' actions justified indicted Howell on charges including attempted aggravated murder with a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of meth.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in court Sept. 25. He is currently being held without bail.
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