MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A man who was shot to death after opening fire on Medford police was a veteran of the Marines who served in the Gulf War, friends said at his memorial service.
About 15 people gathered Wednesday at the service for 52-year-old Stephen Andrew McMilon, the Medford Mail Tribune (https://bit.ly/1sJILPU ) reported.
Police say McMilon was waving a shotgun and also armed with two handguns and a large amount of ammunition when he encountered officers on Sunday. Chief Tim George says he fired at one officer, and two others fired back.
The Rev. Dan Kinjorski of Heritage Christian Center Church of God said McMilon had served 19 years in the military.
“He suffered in his life, so, in fact, blame cannot be placed on anyone outside of himself. … that is a very hard truth,” Kinjorski said. “Obviously, he was in crisis … Unfortunately, when we are unhealthy, we make wrong decisions.”
Linda Amble said McMilon was her best friend for 15 years, and he had been a helicopter gunner.
She says he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had faith in the Lord, the government and the freedoms guaranteed to Americans.
“They were feelings and beliefs of greatness about how this country was supposed to be, not what it’s turning into,” she said.
A police investigation is underway and the results are expected to be considered by a grand jury.
A video of the aftermath of the incident showed McMilon lying in a church parking lot with four police officers standing behind a patrol car with guns drawn. None of the officers approach him during the 90-second clip.
George said officers gave aid as soon as it was safe.
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Information from: Mail Tribune, https://www.mailtribune.com/
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