Portland Police Chief Shoots Friend by Accident

Portland Police Chief Larry O'Dea is under investigation for shooting a friend during a hunting trip.

It happened last month in Harney County.

The friend was treated and released at a local hospital, according to Portland Police Spokesman Sergeant Pete Simpson.

"I'm very thankful that my friend is okay and I'm tremendously upset this happened," O'Dea said in a statement.

According to Simpson, the chief's .22 caliber rifle went off, injuring "one of his very close friends."

The Harney County Sheriff's Office was notified as well as Mayor Charlie Hales and the Portland Police Bureau's Professional Standards Division Captain.

While the incident happened in April and the public was not notified until Friday when a reporter made inquiries, the spokeswoman for Mayor Hales said he was notified on April 25th.

As for notifying others, Simpson said the chief considered it to be a personal matter that happened while he was off duty and on vacation.