Update, June 11, 2025: The Malheur County Sheriff's Office is providing new details on what led to the shooting death of 54-year-old Eli Reiter.
The Sheriff's office says a deputy responded to a report of an assault in Harper, Oregon. When the deputy attempted to serve a citation to Reiter, the Sheriff's Office says the situation escalated, and Mr. Reiter threw a piece of lumber at the deputy.
Officials say while attempting to place Reiter under arrest, he resisted, leading to the deputy deploying a taser, which was ineffective. The Sheriff's Office says an altercation followed, where Reiter assaulted the deputy, and later picked up a hammer, advancing toward the deputy.
The deputy discharged a firearm, shooting Mr. Reiter. Reiter was given medical aid, but ultimately died from his injuries. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave.
Oregon State Police are investigating the incident, which will then be reviewed by the Malheur County District Attorney, David Goldthorpe. Goldthorpe tells Idaho News 6 he will decide if the shooting was justified, or if it will need to be presented to the Grand Jury.
Original Story: On Saturday evening, 54-year-old Harper resident Eli Reiter was shot and killed by a single deputy with the Malheur County Sheriff’s Department following a verbal confrontation with his neighbor that turned physical.
According to a family member, Reiter’s neighbor called police following a “shove” from Reiter. The family member went on to say that Reiter suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.
The Malheur County District Attorney, Dave Goldthorpe, confirmed that Reiter was on his own property when the shooting occurred, but declined Idaho News 6's request for an interview.
It remains unclear what exactly led up to the shooting.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
