Williston Police share updates regarding officer involved shooting that wounded suspect

(Williston, ND) -- The Williston Police Department is sharing more details into last week's officer involved shooting that left the suspect injured in a release shared with WDAY Radio.

On Friday, December 9th, 2022, Williston Police say Officers Tyler Iwen and Jordan Patton saw a vehicle that stalled near the intersection of 2nd Ave W and 42nd St W. Officer Iwen approached the vehicle "in a community caretaking capacity" and spoke with the driver, identified as 30-year-old Eric Obregon. Officer Patton then approached the vehicle, and offered to help move the vehicle from the roadway. Authorities say that is when Officer Patton recognized Obregon and knew he had warrants for his arrest, which included terrorizing, domestic violence, and contempt of court.

According to the release, Officer Patton asked for Obregon to exit his vehicle, which is when the driver fled the scene on foot and began the foot pursuit. Authorities say Obregon began to reach into his clothing near his waistband during the chase, and both officers "instructed Obregon approximately four times to remove his hands from his pockets." The release says that is when the suspect pulled out a firearm and "exchanged gunfire between officers and Obregon," continuing the chase through a Walmart parking lot and ending near the Verizon Wireless building. The release says at the end of the chase, more gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and authorities, who struck Obregon in the left leg. Medical assistance was called, and Officers Iwen and Patton began performing life saving measures. While searching Obregon, authorities found the firearm nearby and an additional magazine in his pocket.

Officers Iwen and Patton are currently on paid administrative leave until the investigation is completed. More information will be released at a later date, once the investigation is concluded.