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Portland's Police Chief Shot a Man in a Harney County Hunting Accident

Chief Larry O'Dea shot his friend in April. The incident was not made public.

Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea accidentally shot a friend of his in an April hunting accident in Harney County, WW has learned.

The incident was not made public until WW inquired about it this afternoon. Law enforcement officials in Harney County did not immediately return phone calls.

When asked about the incident today, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson provided the following statement:

The bureau declined to make O'Dea available for an interview.

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, O'Dea's boss, provided a brief statement on the matter:

"Larry O'Dea is a great chief, who is heartsick over hurting a friend," Hales said.

Willamette Week

Nigel Jaquiss

Reporter Nigel Jaquiss joined the Oregon Journalism project in 2025 after 27 years at Willamette Week.