Police say man killed by trooper at Salem Army training center had knife, left threatening note

By OPB staff (OPB)
Feb. 27, 2025 9:56 p.m. Updated: Feb. 28, 2025 6:28 p.m.

A 22-year-old man shot and killed by an Oregon State Police trooper at an Army training center in Salem had left a threatening note at the guard station, investigators said.

A man shot and killed by an Oregon State Police trooper at an Army training facility in Salem had left a threatening note at the guard station, according to Salem police, who are investigating the incident.

Police said in a press release Thursday night that the man also had a knife, and that it was the second time in three days he had been spotted at the Governor Ted Kulongoski Army Aviation Training Center.

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The man was identified in the press release as 22-year-old Matthew Wong, of Salem.

Troopers initially responded at 10 a.m. Thursday to a report of a suspicious person at the training center.

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Salem police later said Wong had handed a guard a note that said something about “laying down arms” and having “10 minutes to decide.”

Trooper Justin Oxenrider responded to the call and located Wong outside the guard station. Police said the two got into a confrontation and Oxenrider shot Wong, who died at the scene.

The Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan has been initiated.

No law enforcement officers or other community members were injured during the incident.

Wong had an active arrest warrant for unlawful use of a weapon.

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