Police: Stranded driver assaults officer; Taser used, driver dies at scene

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    ALBANY, OR (KPTV) — Police are investigating the death of a stranded driver who was hit by a Taser after assaulting an Albany officer.

The situation began unfolding at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday on Santiam Road and Denver Street.

Police said an Albany community service officer contacted a stranded driver. The officer requested non-emergency assistance from a patrol officer.

Investigators said a “physical altercation” ensued between the driver and the two Albany officers.

Police said the driver assaulted the community service officer.

As the driver continued fighting with the officer, a Taser was deployed by police. The driver went limp and became unconscious, according to investigators.

Officers provided medical treatment, including CPR and used an AED. Paramedics responded to the scene to continue CPR, however the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Linn County Major Crimes Team was called out to investigate. The case is being treated as a deadly force incident and Oregon State Police is leading the multi-agency investigation.

OSP identified the man who died as 45-year-old James F. Plymell III of Albany.

The officers involved in the incident were identified as Officer Emily Schroff, Officer Gina Bell, Officer Thomas Roten and Community Service Officer Gerry Morris, all from the Albany Police Department. Per standard protocol, they have all been placed on paid administrative leave.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in contact with Plymell during the preceding days, as well as anyone who may have witnessed or has video footage of the incident to contact OSP Detective Casi Hegney at 503-375-3555.

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