An intense gunfight broke out between and an armed robbery suspect in the middle of a road in Salem, Oregon, on Monday morning, local news reported.
Police shot suspect Michael James Compton, 27, after he fled police and then initiated a gunfight with them, according to the Salem Reporter.
Around 9:00 a.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery and carjacking report in a Walmart parking lot. After police arrived, the suspect ran to a neighboring Planet Fitness parking lot and attempted to steal another vehicle, authorities reported.
Compton then reportedly ran across the street to a NAPA Auto Parts and began shooting at police. “A confrontation ensued and the suspect fired at least once at officers. At least one patrol vehicle was hit in the windshield. Officers also fired and the suspect was struck and died at the scene,” an Oregon state police statement reported.
The shootout occurred on a very busy Salem road. Dozens of gunshots can be heard in a video of the incident, in which one motorist can be heard urging another passenger in his car to take cover.
Compton died at the scene. No officers or bystanders were injured.
“Compton was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest out of Clackamas and Lane counties,” the police statement noted. (RELATED: Shootout Near ‘Cop City’ Site Leaves Protester Dead, Trooper Wounded)
Police found a firearm under Compton’s body and a loaded magazine in his pocket.