The Canby, Oregon, community is grappling with the aftermath of a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on the evening of September 3, 2026, at an apartment complex on South Sequioa Parkway. The incident, which resulted in the death of 34-year-old Mario Francisco Mendoza Jr., has prompted a critical incident investigation led by the Lake Oswego Police Department and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team. The shooting has raised questions about the use of deadly force, the circumstances leading to the confrontation, and the broader implications for public safety and law enforcement accountability in the region.
According to the Canby Police Department, officers responded to a report of a man attempting to force his way into an apartment at 259 S. Sequioa Parkway at approximately 10:30 p.m. on September 3. Upon arrival, officers located Mendoza in the parking lot of the apartment complex and attempted to detain him. However, Mendoza did not comply with verbal commands and instead attempted to flee on foot. During the brief pursuit, Mendoza turned toward the officers with a handgun drawn and fired at them. In response, Sgt. Britton Nelson and Sgt. Allen Miller of the Canby Police Department returned fire, striking Mendoza. The incident was captured on body-worn camera, which is standard procedure for law enforcement agencies in Oregon.
After the shooting, officers immediately rendered emergency aid to Mendoza until Canby Fire District personnel arrived and determined that he had succumbed to his injuries. The officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Nelson and Sgt. Miller, have been placed on paid critical incident leave in accordance with department policy. Sgt. Nelson has been with the Canby Police Department since 2016, while Sgt. Miller has been a law enforcement officer since 2013 and with the Canby Police Department since 2017. Both officers have been cooperative with investigators, and their body-worn camera footage is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The shooting has prompted a comprehensive investigation under the Clackamas County Critical Incident protocol. This protocol ensures that officer-involved shootings are investigated by an independent agency to maintain transparency and accountability. The Lake Oswego Police Department and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation, with support from the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team. The investigation will be submitted to a Clackamas County grand jury for an evaluation of the use of deadly physical force. The grand jury will determine whether the officers’ actions were justified under Oregon law, which permits the use of deadly force when an officer reasonably believes that the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious physical harm or death.
The incident has left the Canby community in shock. Canby is a small city located in Clackamas County, approximately 20 miles south of Portland, with a population of around 18,000 residents. The apartment complex on South Sequioa Parkway is a residential area that typically sees little violent crime, and the shooting has raised concerns about public safety and the use of force by law enforcement. Residents have expressed their condolences to Mendoza’s family and have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Mendoza was a 34-year-old Hispanic male who was reportedly living in the Canby area. His family has been notified of his death, and they are now navigating the difficult process of mourning. The family has not publicly released any statements, and they have asked for privacy as they grieve. The community has expressed sympathy for the family, and local leaders have called for calm and patience as the investigation proceeds.
The Canby Police Department has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of the incident. In a statement, the department said, “The Canby Police Department is committed to the safety of our community and the integrity of our officers. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and will ensure that all facts are presented to the grand jury.” The department has also encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The use of deadly force by law enforcement is a topic of ongoing national debate, and the Canby shooting is likely to draw attention to the broader issues of police conduct, de-escalation tactics, and the mental health of individuals involved in confrontations with law enforcement. While the specifics of the Canby incident are still under investigation, the case highlights the challenges that officers face in high-stress situations and the importance of thorough and impartial reviews of officer-involved shootings.
The Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, which includes representatives from multiple law enforcement agencies, is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings in the county. The team’s investigation will include a review of the body-worn camera footage, interviews with witnesses, forensic analysis of the scene, and an examination of Mendoza’s background and any potential mental health or substance abuse issues. The findings of the investigation will be presented to the grand jury, which will determine whether the officers’ use of deadly force was justified.
The Canby Police Department has also offered its condolences to Mendoza’s family and has expressed its commitment to supporting the officers involved in the incident. The department has made it clear that officer-involved shootings are traumatic for everyone involved, including the officers, their families, and the community. The department has provided counseling services for the officers and their families, and it is encouraging the community to seek support if needed.
The grand jury process is a critical component of Oregon’s legal framework for reviewing officer-involved shootings. The grand jury will evaluate the evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed. If the grand jury determines that the officers’ actions were justified, no charges will be filed. If the grand jury determines that the officers’ actions were not justified, criminal charges may be filed. The grand jury’s decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, though the timeline for the investigation is not yet clear.
The Canby shooting is the latest in a series of officer-involved shootings in Oregon and across the country. The incident has reignited calls for police reform and increased accountability, as well as for greater investment in mental health services and de-escalation training. Advocates for criminal justice reform have emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of violent encounters between law enforcement and the public.
As the investigation continues, the Canby community will be watching closely. The outcome of the grand jury process will have a significant impact on public trust in law enforcement, and the community will be seeking answers about the circumstances that led to Mendoza’s death. The Canby Police Department and other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have pledged to be as transparent as possible while respecting the integrity of the legal process.
The loss of Mario Francisco Mendoza Jr. is a tragedy that has deeply affected his family, friends, and the community. His death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to violent encounters. The community will continue to support the Mendoza family and will advocate for a fair and thorough investigation. In the days ahead, the Canby community will come together to mourn the loss of a life and to seek justice for all those affected by this tragic incident. Rest in peace, Mario Francisco Mendoza Jr. You will not be forgotten. Condolences are extended to his family, his friends, and all who are mourning his passing. May the investigation bring clarity and closure, and may the community find strength and unity in the face of this tragedy.
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