Posted on: August 17, 2022, 09:00h. 

Last updated on: August 17, 2022, 09:00h.

An armed gunman who tried to rob Oregon’s Wildhorse Casino and Resort on Wednesday later was shot in an exchange of gunfire with tribal police. A bystander was also wounded. No immediate word on their conditions.

The bandit was confronted by officers as he fled from the casino at about 1:45 pm. Both the gunman and the bystander were rushed by ambulance to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Ore. for treatment.

The gunman was under police custody. His name was not released immediately by authorities.

No one else was injured, authorities said. The complex was secure shortly after the incident.

In total, some 20 officers and federal agents responded to the 112,000 square-foot gaming venue. Tribal police, FBI, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Department, the Umatilla County Fire Department and the Pendleton Police Department each were at the gaming property.

We are grateful no one else was physically injured with all that took place,” casino CEO Gary George said in a statement. “Security personnel and Tribal Police were quick to act and the situation was controlled in a swift manner.”

He also praised casino employees. “The way the cashiers and everyone handled the situation was exemplary,” George said.

The casino remained open later on Wednesday. The food court was closed temporarily.

It is likely police watched surveillance video, searched for physical evidence and spoke to witnesses as part of the inquiry.

The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center urged residents and tribal members to call the 988 Mental Health line for counseling if needed, according to the Tri-City Herald, a local newspaper.

The casino is located in Pendleton, Ore., some 209 miles east of Portland. It is operated by the Umatilla Confederated Tribes.

Four Dead in Prior Incident

In an unrelated incident in June 2021, Oen Evan Nicholson, the suspect in four Oregon homicides, including three at a casino RV park, turned himself into police. He was in Wisconsin where a friend of the suspect was forced to drive him, police said.

Oen Evan Nicholson, 30 at the time, allegedly killed his father, Charles Simms Nicholson, 83, in the same lot. He was found dead in a trailer at the lot.

In addition, the man who was struck by the truck died at the crime scene. He was identified as Anthony Oyster, 74.

Linda Oyster, 73, was also struck by the truck. She was transported to a hospital in Springfield. She initially was listed in critical condition. She later died from her injuries.

Shoots Woman at Marijuana Dispensary

Following the hit and run, Oen Nicholson drove to the Herbal Choice Marijuana Dispensary, also in North Bend. He allegedly fatally shot a woman in the dispensary.

She was identified as Jennifer L. Davidson, 47, of Coos Bay.

As of February, he was trying to represent himself in court. It appears the charges are still pending in Oregon court.