Portland police identify officer involved in fatal shooting of man armed with pellet gun

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The officer who police say shot and killed a man in the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood earlier this month has been identified.

The original incident happened after midnight on Oct. 4, when officers responded to an apartment near SE Lambert Street and Flavel Drive. Police said a caller had reported a neighbor was waving around a rifle and making threats.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers said they saw the man with the rifle and set up a perimeter, alerting area residents to stay inside for safety.

Authorities said an officer from the Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team attempted to speak with the man, identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Thorn.

But just after 1:20 a.m., the officer -- identified as Officer Andrew Young -- fired a shot, hitting the man, according to police.

Authorities said that officers moved in to provide aid, but Thorn was already dead.

Thorn was found to be carrying a .22 caliber pellet air rifle as well as the knife, officials said.

The incident is still under investigation and Officer Young, a seven-year veteran of PPB, has been put on leave, per standard police protocol.