Former Sisters man killed in police shooting

A former Sisters resident was killed on March 8 in Grass Valley, Oregon, during a confrontation with police.

According to a release from the Sherman County District Attorney’s Office, Cody Jack Childress, 23, was killed by a single .40 caliber gunshot wound to the head. The round was reportedly fired by Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey.

According to Oregon State Police reports, the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office responded at about 3:30 p.m. on March 8 to a reported 9-1-1 call regarding a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of SW 4th Street in Grass Valley. Oregon State Police Troopers were asked to respond to the scene to assist.

Police reported that, upon arrival, officers learned that Childress was alone in the residence he lived in with his mother. Officers reportedly also were told that he had barricaded himself inside and had access to explosives and firearms.

Surrounding residents were evacuated from the area. At about 6:20 p.m., OSP reports, Childress came outside and approached the area where Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey and OSP Senior Trooper Kaipo Raiser were positioned.

Both officers reportedly fired at Childress.

According to the Sherman county DA, an autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office determined which officer fired the fatal shot.

Asked whether Childress was armed at the time he was shot, OSP Lieutenant Gregg Hastings told The Nugget that the Sherman County DA was not releasing that information and likely would not until after a grand jury reviews the case.

Childress, who has family in Sisters, worked for Les Schwab Taylor Tire Center here in 2001.

Sherman County District Attorney Tara Lawrence is overseeing the investigation being conducted by Oregon State Police detectives assigned to the case from OSP offices outside of the area. OSP detectives from Bend, Baker City, and Pendleton have been working in the area conducting interviews and gathering evidence following the shooting.