Josephine County DA Concludes Review of Officer-Involved Shooting
District Attorney determines use of deadly force on Debbs Potts Bridge was justified under Oregon law
The Josephine County District Attorney’s Office has concluded its review of an officer-involved shooting that occurred February 7, 2026, on the Debbs Potts (Parkway) Bridge in Grants Pass.
According to District Attorney Joshua J. Eastman, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. when multiple 911 callers reported a woman on the bridge holding what were described as two handguns. Some callers reported shots fired, while others indicated the firearms may have been water guns. The call was dispatched to the Grants Pass Police Department as “shots fired on Debbs Potts Bridge.”
The woman was later identified as Alicia Shelton.
Police established a perimeter and blocked traffic in both directions on the bridge. The first officer on scene observed Shelton wearing a pink shirt and holding what appeared to be a handgun. According to the review, Shelton was waving the firearm, shouting, appeared upset, and pointed the weapon at officers multiple times.
Additional officers arrived and utilized cover. Due to the distance and Shelton reportedly possessing one or possibly two firearms, officers did not deploy less-lethal options. A detective used a patrol vehicle’s public address system and repeatedly instructed Shelton to put the firearm down. The review states Shelton refused commands and at times yelled for officers to shoot her.
At approximately 12:36 p.m., after being ordered more than ten times to drop the weapon, Shelton moved toward the shoulder of the bridge and raised the firearm, pointing it directly at officers. Two officers each fired one round from their duty rifles.
Shelton collapsed. Officers approached using a patrol vehicle for cover and rendered aid while requesting paramedics. Shelton later died at the hospital.
During the subsequent investigation led by the Oregon State Police, authorities determined the firearm Shelton had pointed at officers was a Byrna less-lethal weapon. Investigators also located a replica Glock pellet gun in the river on the opposite side of the bridge.
Under Oregon Revised Statute 161.242, law enforcement officers may use deadly physical force when it is objectively reasonable to believe a person poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury and when such force is necessary under the circumstances.
District Attorney Eastman concluded that both officers’ actions were justified under Oregon law. The review found officers gave multiple verbal warnings, attempted de-escalation techniques, and provided Shelton with opportunities to comply before shots were fired.
In his letter, Eastman stated the officers’ actions were in compliance with Oregon law and that no further action is anticipated.
