Submitted
Cops say on June 26 at 11:32 pm, City of Bend Police officer Timothy Williams, a three-year veteran of the force, pulled over a red Toyota 4-Runner driven by 36-year-old Timothy Bret Bontrager for failure to use a turn signal.
During Williams’ request for Bontrager’s license and insurance, the officer suspected Bontrager of driving impaired, District Attorney John Hummel said during a press conference Wednesday. Officer Keven Uballez joined Williams at the scene and stood on the passenger side of the truck, the DA said.
According to Hummel, initial evidence suggests that while Bontrager was in his truck and being questioned by officer Williams, he allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself. The initial evidence also suggests that officer Williams fired his weapon into the truck.
Both officers are on administrative leave until the investigation is closed, Bend Police Chief Jim Porter said.
“Bontrager’s family is no doubt hurting today as they grieve the loss of someone they love,” Hummel said at the press conference. “My thoughts are also with officers Williams, Uballez and their families as they process the traumatic event they all experienced.”
