Details released on June 17 officer-involved shooting

This replica pistol was recovered at the scene of the June 17 officer-involved shooting. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

A review of body-worn camera video from the incident shows Jonathan West Nelson producing what appears to be a firearm from his pocket

The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting the Independent Investigation of the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on June 17.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office previously identified the decedent as 40-year-old Jonathan West Nelson. Investigators have been in contact with Nelson’s family members to keep them apprised of the investigation.

A review of body-worn camera video from the incident shows Nelson producing what appears to be a firearm from his pocket. Nelson also was in possession of a folding-blade pocket knife.

Investigators located both objects at the scene and determined that the firearm was a modified replica airsoft gun. The item appears to be a replica Colt 1911 airsoft gun.

This pocket knife was recovered at the scene of the June 17 officer-involved shooting. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Investigators have received and are reviewing written statements and body-worn camera videos from the involved officers.

On June 17, a VPD officer was flagged down by several citizens who reported a male pointed a gun at them near the parking lot of McDonald’s in the 2800 block of NE Andresen Road. According to dispatch logs, officers developed probable cause for an Assault in the First Degree. Officers located the involved male walking southbound on NE Andresen Road several blocks south of the initial incident.

Multiple VPD officers responded to the scene. Officers reported that the male was not responding to commands and continued walking southbound. A VPD K9 was deployed. During the attempt to detain the male subject, he produced what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it at the officers.

Scene evidence from the June 17 officer-involved shooting is shown here. Photo courtesy Clark County Sheriff’s Office

Four officers discharged their firearms, and the male subject was hit. Officers attempted to provide medical aid, and the subject was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Later, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased man as 40-year-old Jonathan West Nelson.

Per WAC 139-12-030, which governs independent investigations, additional updates will be provided weekly.

Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.