Shooting critically wounds Oregon police officer

Authorities are searching western Oregon for a man suspected of shooting a Lincoln City police officer during a traffic stop on a coastal highway, Oregon State Police said Monday.

The officer was shot more than once after he pulled over a car for speeding about 11 p.m. Sunday. The 45-year-old officer has been flown to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, about 150 miles northeast of Waldport, the site of the search. He is reported in critical condition, and his family and fellow officers are at the hospital, police said.

The suspect vehicle, a 1984 Dodge SUV, took off south on Highway 101. It was spotted by Newport police, and several shots were fired at officers in the chase. None were hit.

The car was stopped by spike strips about 11:30 p.m. on the highway at Waldport, about 40 miles south of Lincoln City. The driver fled into a wooded area.

Lt. Gregg Hastings, a state police spokesman, said investigators are trying to locate and interview the registered owner of the vehicle that was being operated by the suspect.

The owner was identified as David Anthony Durham, 43, who was described as white male, about 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds.

Hastings said police released the vehicle owner's name and photograph to help confirm he is safe and to interview him to learn if he has information to help identify and locate the suspect.

Roads have been closed and the opening of Waldport schools delayed two hours while a search for the suspect is conducted by state police, deputies from Lincoln and Benton counties, and officers from Newport and Toledo.

Police have advised residents to call 911 immediately if they see anyone suspicious.