Portland Police Chief to Retire Amid Criminal Investigation

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Mayor Charlie Hales has scheduled a Monday press conference at which he's expected to announce that Police Chief Larry O'Dea is retiring.

O'Dea has been on leave since revelations he may have lied about accidentally shooting a friend in the back during an April hunting trip in Eastern Oregon.

O'Dea's lawyer, Derek Ashton, confirmed the retirement to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Sunday, and said he's confident a state police investigation won't result in charges.

Harney County authorities said O'Dea told deputies at the scene that the victim accidentally shot himself. O'Dea's involvement didn't emerge until Sheriff Dave Ward later interviewed the victim.

When Ward learned O'Dea was Portland's police chief, he asked the Oregon State Police to take over the investigation.

Portland Mayor-Elect Ted Wheeler released the following statement regarding the appointment of Police Chief Mike Marshman.

“Mike Marshman is a quality choice to fill the role of Portland Police Chief. I expect him to bring stability to the department and begin to address the significant public safety issues that exist in our community. 

"The working relationship between a Mayor and Police Chief is among the most important, and I look forward to continuing to build my relationship with Chief Marshman in the months ahead.

"I have been clear that a comprehensive national search for a Police Chief is in the best interest of Portlanders the Police Bureau. I am confident that Chief Marshman will be a top candidate for the position, should he have an interest in continuing as Police Chief."

O'Dea has been chief since January 2015.