On June 11, 2014, a fatal incident involving law enforcement occurred in Milwaukie, Oregon, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Travis Blake Utley. Utley, whose last known address was in Lebanon, Oregon, was involved in an officer-involved shooting that followed a traffic stop initiated by Milwaukie police.
The incident began at approximately 8 a.m. near Southeast 37th Avenue and Johnson Creek Boulevard.
During the traffic stop, police discovered that Utley had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. As officers attempted to take him into custody, Utley led them on a brief chase. According to police reports, Utley tried to intentionally run over the officers and rammed a police car after a PIT maneuver was used to stop his vehicle.
Witness accounts described the intense and dangerous situation. One witness stated that Utley's vehicle, a Bronco, 'blew through a police blockade' and hit police vehicles, prompting the officers to open fire. The witnesses noted that the officers were prepared and had their weapons drawn as Utley charged at them with his car.
The officers involved in the shooting were identified as Billy Wells, a 16-year veteran of the Milwaukie police, and Zane Odem, a 5-year veteran. Both officers fired their guns during the incident, striking Utley at least once. Utley was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, the area around Southeast Johnson Creek Boulevard between 32nd and 42nd avenues was closed off by police. The investigation into the shooting was handled by Portland police detectives since the incident occurred within Portland city limits. The Clackamas County district attorney was set to review the officers' use of force in the incident. As part of standard procedure, both officers involved were placed on paid leave during the investigation.
There were no other suspects involved in this incident, as it was a solo encounter between Utley and the law enforcement officers. The investigation focused on the actions of Utley and the response of the officers, with no indication of any other individuals being implicated in the events leading to Utley's death.
