The following is a news release from the Oregon State Police:
On October 29th, 2018 at approximately 1:38 AM. Hood River County Sheriff’s Deputy George Economou stopped to check on a vehicle that was parked at the Mitchell Point Trailhead.
As Deputy Economou was walking towards the vehicle the operator backed out of the parking stall, drove around the parking lot, and drove towards the deputy. Deputy Economou, who was still outside his vehicle, fired several rounds from his duty weapon towards the vehicle. The vehicle continued and hit the patrol car and then traveled approximately 15 yards down an embankment.
The operator of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. He was identified as Lonnie Stinnett (50) from Garibaldi, OR. Stinnett, who was not injured, was lodged at Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility in The Dalles on charges of Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
Deputy Economou has been a deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for almost one year. He was not injured as a result of the incident.
The Columbia Gorge Major Crimes Team which includes members from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Police Department, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police responded to conduct the investigation.
Any further information will be released from the Hood River County District Attorney’s Office.