The Lane County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday that Deputy Todd Olson was shot and wounded Friday near Cottage Grove. The incident happened when four Deputies were responding to a shots fired call.
Sheriff's Captain Spence Slater says Deputy Olson is doing well and is expected to be able to go home from the hospital. Olson, a canine officer, is an 18-year veteran with the Sheriff's Office. Slater says when something like this happens, it affects the whole department.
Slater: "You know, we're kind of family. And most of us have worked in one assignment or another. When I was a field supervisor, Todd was one of my guys, so him and I alone, just my relationship with him, we've been through some stuff together."
Slater says the last time a Sheriff's deputy was shot in the line of duty was in 1975. Roy Durks was shot and killed while investigating a drowning at Blue River Reservoir.
Carlos Roa was arrested in connection with the Friday shooting. Roa is reportedly in stable condition after being shot and bit by a sheriff's dog. The Lane County Interagency Deadly Force Team’s investigation of the shooting is underway.
The Olson family has released the following statement:
The Olson Family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the prayers and well wishes. The outpouring of love and support from the community and various law enforcement agencies has been humbling. My husband is continuing to rest and is focused on recovering from his injuries. We hope he will be able to go home soon. We ask that you continue to keep all of those affected by the incident, in your thoughts and prayers as they process the wide range of emotions that follow such volatile events. Any further information/statements will be issued by the Lane County Sheriff's Office or the Lane County District Attorney. Sincerely, The Olson's
