Roger Witter’s good intentions landed him in jail late Tuesday.
Gresham police say Witter, 48, was in an AT&T store at 533 Northwest Division Street in Gresham when two men stole multiple iPhones. Witter witnessed the theft and, instead of waiting for police, he took off after the men, firing at their getaway car.
He told police he intended to “shoot out the tires,” but it is unclear where the rounds ended up, though police said he fired in a direct line with the Gresham City Hall Max station and the adjacent Park & Ride.
Witter, a customer at the store, told police he didn’t feel that his own life – or anyone else’s – was in danger. He said he was trying to help police. But instead he got himself into hot water.
Officers ended up arresting Witter, accusing him of unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangerment disorderly conduct and unlawful discharge of a firearm. His handgun and concealed weapons permit were seized.
Full story: Police: Witness to iPhone theft shoots at suspects, faces own arrest