Trooper Still in Critical Condition After Shootout

An Oregon State Trooper who was shot several times in an exchange of gunfire with a homicide suspect on Christmas underwent a second surgery Tuesday and remains in critical condition. Trooper Nic Cederberg opened his eyes after his first surgery and gave his wife a high-five.

State Police say that Cederberg, 32, was shot several times by 30-year-old James Tylka, whom they believe had just killed his wife.

Cederberg is a seven-year veteran of the State Police assigned to North Plains. He previously served in the United States Army.

"We consider Nic Cederberg a hero," said Oregon State Police Spokesman Capt. Bill Fugate at a press conference on Tuesday. "He undoubtedly saved the lives of members of the community and other police officers.

"He has a long road of recovery ahead of him."

This is the second time that Cederberg has been involved in a shooting while on duty.

In October 2015, he and another trooper were involved in a shootout with Andrew DeHart on Highway 26. DeHart fired 99 times while Cederberg and his partner fired 32 times. DeHart, who had been wanted on attempted murder and kidnapping charges, was not hit but later shot and killed himself.

Officials say that the situation started Sunday afternoon when Tylka's wife, Kate Armand — they were separated and in the process of divorcing — dropped their 11-month-old daughter off at the house he shares with his parents.

Tylka then followed Armand outside the house. He then shot and killed her.

He fled the scene, leaving officers from the state police, Hillsboro, Tigard, Sherwood and Tualatin on the chase that ended with Cederberg being shot, Tylka being killed.

The Washington County Major Crimes Team is leading the investigation of Armand's murder, the shooting of Cederberg and death of Tylka.

From 2004-2006, Tylka had been in the Beaverton Police Cadet Program, a since-disbanded volunteer program that encouraged people 16-21 to learn more about the police. The cadets were never armed.

In June, he and Armand filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy citing more than $164,000 in debt with only $20,574 in assets.

That filing indicated he had been working as an account executive for Comcast.

Tylka also had a son from a previous marriage.

His wife filed for sole custody earlier this fall, saying their son was in immediate danger. Tylka had also gone through voluntary bankruptcy with his previous wife in 2001 and 2002, according to court records.

People looking to assist Cederberg's family can do so several ways, according to the State Police.

email: OSP.social@state.or.us

mail: Oregon State Police

Attention: Trooper Cederberg

3565 Trelstad Ave SE

SALEM, OR 97317

Donations can also be made through the Oregon State Police Officers Association website.

Photos courtesy Oregon State Police