Armed robbery suspect shot and killed by police in Salem

SALEM, Ore. (KPTV) - A robbery suspect armed with a gun was shot and killed by officers in Salem Monday morning, the police department confirmed.

Officers first responded at about 9 a.m. to the parking lot of the Walmart at 5250 Commercial Street Southeast. Initial reports were of an armed robbery and carjacking. Updated information indicated the suspect went north of Walmart to Planet Fitness, where he attempted to steal another vehicle.

According to police, the suspect then ran to the NAPA Auto Parts at 5105 Commercial Street Southeast where officers confronted the suspect in the parking lot and gunfire was exchanged. At least one patrol vehicle was hit in the windshield.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Michael Compton, was hit by gunfire and died at the scene. Investigators later found a black handgun under the suspect and a loaded magazine in his pocket. Compton had multiple arrest warrants from Clackamas and Lane counties. No officers were injured.

Rosendo Corral said he saw the suspect fire at police.

“They hit him a couple times,” Corral said. “He fell to the ground. He got back up. He didn’t get totally back up he just leaned back up and started shooting again. Then the cops started shooting him about six or eight times.”

One woman who works in a nearby business just feet from the crime scene said she got to work shortly after the shooting. She said she is grateful her path did not cross with the suspect.

“This is pretty shocking to be honest,” Londa Streeter said. “Especially when I work in one of these businesses here and I’m alone most of the time.”

Commercial Street was shut down during the investigation. Oregon State Police is leading the investigation, which is ongoing.

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