EUGENE, Ore. - The Lane County, Ore., sheriff’s office says a veteran Eugene police officer fatally shot himself with a hunting rifle at a shooting range in an apparent accident.
Sheriff’s Capt. Bill Thompson says 44-year-old Sgt. Jerry Webber was removing the rifle from the back of his vehicle when it discharged Friday.
Webber was pronounced dead at the Izaak Walton League of America shooting range south of Eugene.
Thompson says the shooting appears unintentional. An investigation continues and an autopsy is planned Saturday.
Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns says his department has “lost a very special, respected and well-loved member of our police department.”