A serious police-involved shooting unfolded on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, when officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance and shot a man armed with a knife. The incident occurred in the 1300 block of Twins Lane Northwest, leaving the individual hospitalized and launching an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
According to local law enforcement, two Albany Police Department officers were dispatched shortly before 10:50 a.m. to the neighborhood after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance involving a weapon. Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual inside a residence who was holding a knife.
Details released by police indicate that both officers discharged their firearms, striking the person who was armed. Emergency personnel on scene provided first aid until medical responders arrived. The wounded individual was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, and the person’s current condition has not yet been publicly released by authorities.
No officers involved in the shooting were injured during the encounter, and another individual inside the home at the time was reported to have escaped harm. The shooting prompted a brief precautionary lockdown of North Albany Elementary School and North Albany Middle School while police secured the scene and ensured public safety in the surrounding area. Law enforcement lifted the lockdown roughly 20 minutes later once the area was deemed safe.
In standard practice for officer-involved shootings in Oregon, the officers who fired their weapons were placed on administrative leave, in accordance with departmental policy and state law. The Benton County Major Crimes Team has been called in to investigate the shooting, as is typical for incidents involving law enforcement use of deadly force.
Investigations into police-involved shootings are often complex, involving interviews, forensic evidence collection, and review of body-worn camera footage. While initial reporting confirms that officers fired shots at a man holding a knife, many questions remain about what led to the use of lethal force and whether all appropriate de-escalation measures were attempted. Independent review by Major Crimes detectives is ongoing, and further details are expected as the case develops.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly under public scrutiny when it comes to how officers handle calls involving individuals with weapons, particularly in cases of mental health crises or domestic disturbances. Community leaders and citizens alike often look for transparency and accountability throughout these investigations to help rebuild public trust.
At this time, the identity of the man shot by police has not been publicly released by Albany police, and there have been no immediate charges announced related to the incident. The Benton County investigation will attempt to clarify:
What happened before officers arrived at the scene
Whether verbal commands or de-escalation techniques were used
The circumstances under which officers determined that shooting was necessary
This investigative process will be key to understanding both the reasons behind and the legality of the force used.
Police responses to domestic disturbance calls are among the most unpredictable and dangerous situations officers face. These calls frequently involve emotional distress, volatile behavior, and in some cases, weapons. Nationally, communities continue to debate best practices for handling domestic disputes—whether through traditional policing or enhanced crisis intervention teams trained in de-escalation and mental health intervention.
While every situation is unique, incidents like the Albany shooting highlight how quickly routine police responses can escalate when weapons are involved. They also illustrate the ongoing challenge of balancing public safety with efforts to protect the rights and lives of individuals in crisis.
When police use deadly force—even with justification under the law—there are often emotional, legal, and civil ramifications for the individual involved and the broader community. For survivors of violent encounters, family members, and communities affected by traumatic events involving law enforcement, understanding legal rights and options is essential.
Experienced shooting victim attorneys who focus on crime victims and civil rights can assist in navigating complex legal landscapes, ensuring that investigations are thorough and rights are protected. Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, stands ready to support individuals and families impacted by violence, including incidents involving police use of force. Their expertise ensures that victims have knowledgeable representation throughout legal and investigative processes.
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