Ritzville man accused of killing father arrested in Oregon after shootout with police

A man accused of shooting his father to death in Ritzville early Thursday morning was arrested in Oregon after firing his gun at state police.

The incident began when Grayson D.W. Morris, 26, arrived at his father’s house on the 100 block of East 7th Avenue in Ritzville around 5:30 a.m. in a stolen Ford SUV while armed with a long rifle, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Several witnesses said Morris kicked in the front door of the home belonging to his father, Douglas Morris, and proceeded to his father’s bedroom while he was sleeping, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses confirmed Grayson Morris then fired his gun and struck his father several times.

Douglas Morris died at the scene.

Grayson Morris left the area in the Ford SUV, still armed with the rifle, before Ritzville police responded and secured the area, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s deputies were called to assist.

Oregon State Police later located Morris and were pursuing him on Interstate 84 around 10:30 a.m. near Hood River, according to the sheriff’s office in Multnomah County, Oregon.

Police say Morris fired multiple shots at officers while he drove west toward Portland.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said state police disabled the stolen Ford SUV Morris was driving during the pursuit, leading the suspect to steal a different vehicle.

Officers stopped Morris’ vehicle more than 48 miles to the west of Hood River outside Portland using pursuit tactics, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Morris then exchanged gunfire with law enforcement and was injured, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Morris was transported to the hospital, but his condition was unknown, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mike Reese did not say whether law enforcement officers were injured during a news conference where follow-up questions were not allowed.