Deputy justified in shooting bystander at rap video filming

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A grand jury has cleared a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy who shot a bystander at a White City gathering, and indicted the deputy’s intended target who was allegedly armed with “a high-powered, high capacity rifle.”

Anthony Hales, 25, was indicted by a Jackson County grand jury Wednesday on a felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon and a misdemeanor charge of menacing, The Mail Tribune reported.

Hales allegedly opened the front door Dec. 2 to a sheriff’s deputy while holding an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifle and wearing body armor, according to Jackson County District Attorney Beth Heckert.

Deputy Trevor Waldeyer fired at Hales, but the gunshot hit the leg of man who was trying to disarm Hales, Heckert said.

The rifle and body armor were at the home because a rap music video was being filmed at the location, according to Heckert.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said previously that the sheriff’s office had received complaints of a “disorderly loud party” at about 7:44 p.m. that involved over 25 people.

Waldeyer testified that he fired because didn’t believe that his police vest would protect him and there were no positions of cover on the porch. Waldeyer then took cover behind a vehicle and issued commands until backup arrived.

Hales was arrested.

Investigators found an AM-15 that was loaded with 29 rounds in the magazine; however, there wasn't a round chambered.