The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

RAINIER, Ore. - Oregon State Police reported last week that Christopher Elliot, 30, of Waitsburg, was found dead on June 23 near Clatskanie, Ore., about 18 miles from Rainier, of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Earlier in the day, police said, Elliot shot a Rainier police officer during a routine traffic stop here.

According to the report, Officer Russ George, 45, was approaching Elliot's car during a routine traffic stop shortly after noon, when Elliot opened fire. A bullet passed through George's hand and was stopped by his bullet-proof vest. Elliot then sped away. George and a reserve officer who was with him, drove himself to a hospital in Longview, Wash., where he was reported in fair condition.

Police found Elliot's car near Clatskanie and, at about 5 p.m., found Elliot's body. A handgun was found nearby. The report said that police have no explanation at this time for why Elliot was in the Rainier area or why he assaulted Officer George.