A 34-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday for shooting and wounding two Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies during a 2023 incident.
Tyler J. Scott, who appeared in court wearing jail scrubs and orange shoes, faced the consequences of his actions as Clackamas County Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Owen recounted the events of June 30, 2023.
Scott was involved in an attempted burglary at a tool rental business located on Southeast Johnson Creek Boulevard, where he and another individual were seen trying to break into a metal shipping container filled with tools and construction equipment.
Upon noticing Scott in the area, Deputy Dan Blair and his fellow deputies approached him with instructions to stop. Initially, Scott complied with their orders by raising his hands but suddenly reached for a handgun hidden in his waistband.
According to Owen, Scott fired multiple shots at Deputy Jeremy McKenna, with one bullet narrowly missing him and striking just above his hip while a second was intercepted by his ballistic vest and cellphone as he fell to the ground.
In a harrowing account shared in court, Owen mentioned McKenna later described how close the gunfire came to his head.
Hearing the shots, Deputy Blair, who was in pursuit of the second suspect at the time, turned quickly to face Scott.
At that moment, Scott fired at Blair, hitting him in the shoulder.
Despite the tense exchange, both deputies returned fire but were unable to strike Scott, who managed to flee the scene.
Additional deputies arrived moments later, apprehending Scott, seizing the weapon, and questioning him about the events.
In response to their inquiries, Scott claimed ignorance regarding the situation.
Eventually, Scott reached a plea deal and in June pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Both deputies attended the sentencing hearing alongside Sheriff Angela Brandenburg and other members of their office but chose not to address the court.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Owen emphasized the dangers law enforcement officers face daily.
He highlighted how few truly understand the risks officers encounter when they wake up each day, questioning whether they might be assaulted or shot while doing their jobs.
Scott’s defense attorney, Michelle Bartov, conveyed that Scott expressed remorse for his actions.
Standing in front of the deputies, he acknowledged their presence, stating, “Glad to see you guys are all right,” while refraining from offering excuses for his behavior.
Circuit Judge Ann Lininger commended the deputies for their exceptional bravery and commitment to their community during her address.
Blessedly, both McKenna and Blair have since recovered from their injuries and resumed their duties.
Sheriff Brandenburg expressed admiration for the resilience and determination displayed by the injured deputies, considering them an inspiration to the broader community.
She shared a message of hope that the sentencing brings solace and closure not only to the deputies and their families but also to the agency and the community at large.
The second suspect involved in the burglary, Joseph Ray Schaffer, aged 48, was found unarmed and not implicated in the assault on the deputies.
Scott and Schaffer were reported to have stolen roughly $1,000 worth of tools during the incident.
Schaffer pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in August 2023, receiving a sentence of 30 days in jail along with 18 months of probation.
image source from：oregonlive
