Salem-News.com (Dec-12-2008 23:42)

Police Officer Dies in Explosion at Woodburn Area Bank‏

Salem-News.com

Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 800-800-3855.

(WOODBURN, Ore.) - One officer was killed and the Chief of Police critically injured Friday afternoon when an explosive device detonated at a Woodburn area bank.

The condition of an Oregon State Police bomb technician injured in the explosion has not been updated.

The names of the deceased officer and the State Police bomb technician will be released Saturday.

Chief Scott Russell has been with Woodburn Police Department for 20 years. He is being treated at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.

No more information is being released at this time. Information regarding a Saturday morning media briefing will be forwarded when confirmed.

Previously released information by Marion County Sheriff Russ Isham indicates that Friday around 10:32 AM, a Woodburn-area Wells Fargo Bank received a threatening phone call from an unknown person.

Bank personnel notified Woodburn Police Department and the bank was evacuated while police investigated with the assistance of the FBI and an Oregon State Police bomb technician.

During the day, the investigation led to the West Coast Bank on Highway 214 just east of Interstate 5.

While investigators were in the area, a suspicious device detonated at approximately 5:24 PM.

A multi-agency investigation involving federal, state, county and city police agencies has begun to identify the person or persons responsible in this tragic incident.

The investigation is being coordinated by Marion County Sheriff's Office working in conjunction with an interagency team of investigators and the Marion County District Attorney's Office. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 800-800-3855.

Officials report Highway 214 and some surrounding city streets are closed and may remain so throughout the weekend. Those who need to travel in this area are asked to take an alternative route.

Previous reports on the fatal explosion in Woodburn:

Update on Serious Explosion in Woodburn that Injured Police

Explosive Device Blows Up Seriously Injuring Police in Woodburn (AUDIO)

Police Officer Dies in Explosion at Woodburn Area Bank‏

Salem-News.com