By Laura French
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. — An Oregon volunteer firefighter was shot and killed Thursday morning while leaving his home to respond to a fire call.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reported that the Illinois Valley Fire District Firefighter Devin Tandy, 43, was found dead near the rear door of his residence by deputies responding to a call about a shooting victim, according to KDRV.
Deputies said Tandy’s vehicle had been stolen and evidence of a gun battle was found at the scene.
A suspect, Deymon Edwards, 22, was reportedly found driving a stolen vehicle in a nearby region of California and was taken into custody, authorities said. Edwards is charged with murder, robbery, unlawful use of a vehicle and theft.
The shooting is being investigated by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police and the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, according to KOBI 5 on Thursday.
“From what we’re understanding, he was responding to one of our fires we had this morning. But as far as what had happened right after he opened the door to respond I, unfortunately, don’t have that information at this point,” Illinois Valley Fire District Chief John Holmes told KOBI 5.
A procession was held Thursday night to escort Tandy’s body from the scene to the hospital, with several local fire and EMS agencies participating.
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