Oregon Public Broadcasting

On Saturday, a shootout brought an end to a manhunt near Oakridge.   Police had been searching since Thursday for a man who allegedly robbed a Hillsboro resident near Cultus Lake, southwest of Bend.

As David Nogueras reports, the victim told police the suspect forced him off the trail at gunpoint, and duct taped his hands to a tree before stealing his car.

The victim managed to free himself and call 911.  Police spotted the stolen vehicle a few hours later. 

But after police used spike strips to blow out the car’s tires, the suspect, identified as 47-year-old James Patrick Powers, fled on foot into the Willamette National Forest.

State police spokesman Greg Hastings says he wasn’t seen again until Saturday when a State Trooper and an Oakridge Police officer caught up with Powers as he was walking toward town.

Greg Hastings: “It was dark.  They observed the man.  Attempted to make contact.  And as the man was walking away he turned, pulled out a handgun and the Oregon State Police Trooper fired several shots.”

Powers is now at a Eugene-area hospital.  His injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

Hastings says besides the numerous charges Powers will face in Deschutes County, he’s also wanted for a probation violation in Idaho. 

Powers failed to comply with his registration as a sex offender.