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Umpqua Community College Shooter Died By Suicide

Brian Davies/The Register-Guard
Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin speaks during an emotional press conference Saturday, October 4, 2015 at the Roseburg Public Safety Center in Roseburg, Ore.

The 26-year-old man who went on an Oct. 1 shooting rampage at Umpqua Community College died by suicide, authorities said in a Saturday press conference.  

Ten people, including the shooter, died in the incident. Nine others were injured.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined Chris Harper-Mercer’s cause of death to be suicide, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said.

Oregon State Police are conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting, said Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg. Officials declined to provide further details about the incident.

“I expect to be presented with the case early next week,” Wesenberg said. “Once I receive the case, I will do a thorough review and make a determination on whether the use of force was justified.”

Hanlin said investigators have already interviewed hundreds of people, as well as conducted searches of the school, the shooter’s car and apartment. They found an additional handgun, bringing the total number of firearms seized to 14.

Hanlin laid out the timeline of that day’s events:

  • 10:38 a.m.: First 911 call comes into Douglas Co. Emergency Communications; Roseburg police officers en-route to UCC (5 miles to travel); medical notified.  
  • 10:39 a.m.: Dispatch updates “shooter in science building.”  
  • 10:40 a.m. Dispatch updates UCC buildings in lock down.  
  • 10:41 a.m.: Dispatch updates shots coming from Snyder Building.  
  • 10:42 a.m.: Oregon State Patrol dispatch receives report of active shooter.  
  • 10:44 a.m.: First two Roseburg police officers and OSP trooper arrive.  
  • 10:46 a.m.: Officer reports exchange of shots with suspect.  
  • 10:48 a.m.: “Suspect down.”  
  • 10:48 a.m.: First ambulance heads to scene.  
  • 10:50 a.m.: Dispatch requests all local ambulances to report to UCC.  
  • 11:11 a.m.: ODOT responds to assist with traffic control.  
  • 11:14 a.m.: Dispatch notifies Mercy Medical of 10 deceased, six critical to transport.  
  • 11:26 a.m.: Request for bomb squad response.  
  • 11:47 a.m.: Fairgrounds set for reunification.

Hanlin asked anyone with tips, photos or videos that might be relevant to the investigation to call 1-800-CALL FBI.
“If you are unsure as to whether what you have is relevant,” Hanlin said, “please go ahead and call and let us decide.”

Umpqua Community College will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Monday but classes and events won’t resume until Oct. 12.