Grand jury returns indictments on Oregon shooting case

4/20/2011

An Oregon man was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Tuesday related to an April 10 incident during which he allegedly shot at police officers responding to a call.

Jeffrey Belew, 24, was charged with two counts each of felonious assault and attempt to commit aggravated murder. Each count had an accompanying gun specification, as well as a specification involving shooting at a police officer. If convicted, he faces up to 27 years in prison.

Oregon Police were called to Piccadilly East Apartments, 2750 Pickle Rd., just after 5 a.m. on a report that two men — who turned out to be brothers — were fighting. When the first police officer arrived, he spotted a man walking in the parking lot.

The man, who police later said was intoxicated, raised a handgun and shot at the marked patrol vehicle at least four times, striking it twice, authorities said.

A second responding officer returned gunfire, striking the suspect in the torso. Although first treated at the hospital, Mr. Belew has since been moved to the Lucas County Jail.

Also indicted Tuesday was Mr. Belew’s father, John Belew, 50, of 1087 Sisson Drive, on one count of assault for allegedly grabbing an officer around the neck during the incident. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison.