SALEM, Ore. — Officers fatally shot the suspect in an armed robbery at a Salem Walmart store on Monday morning, Salem police officials said. No officers were injured during the shooting
Around 9 a.m. callers to 9-1-1 indicated an armed robbery and carjacking was in progress in the parking lot of the Walmart on Commercial Street Southeast.
The suspect, who Oregon State Police later identified as 27-year-old Michael James Compton, then went north to the Planet Fitness, where police said he tried to steal another car. He then ran to the Napa Auto Parts Store. “Officers confronted the suspect in the parking lot and gunfire was exchanged,” Salem police said. “The suspect was struck and died at the scene.”
OSP said Compton fired at least one shot and at least one police vehicle was hit in the windshield by a bullet. Troopers said police found a handgun underneath Compton and a loaded magazine inside his pocket.
OSP is taking the lead in working this case. Compton had several warrants for his arrest out of Clackamas and Lane counties.