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Incident
Deputy James Dunn was shot and killed while he and several other deputies attempted to arrest a drunk teenager who was causing a disturbance at a local saloon.
The night of violence began in downtown Corvallis when a gang of teenage boys went on a drinking spree. After the teenagers became violent Deputy Sheriff Osbum approached the leader, who was alone at the time, and ordered him to go home. When the teen refused, Deputy Sheriff Osbum attempted to arrest him. As Deputy Sheriff Osbum approached, the teen waved a revolver around threatening to shoot anyone who came near. His fellow teenage drinkers attempted to help, but quickly backed off after being threatened as well.
Deputy Sheriff Osbum was joined by Deputy Sheriff Dunn and the two officers continued to advance toward the teenage shooter who gave another warning and then opened fire on Deputy Sheriff Osbum. Deputy Sheriff Obsum was removed to a nearby hotel while the teen continued the stand-off.
In the meantime, Sheriff Burnett was called to the scene. The teen had reloaded his revolver and was aiming at the Sheriff as he approached, saying he would kill him if he attempted to arrest him. Sheriff Bumett got close enough to lay his hand on the suspects' shoulder and the suspect aimed a shot at Sheriff Burnett that went wide off its mark. Deputy Sheriff Dunn then stepped forward and suspect fired again hitting Deputy Sheriff Dunn in the stomach. Deputy Sheriff Dunn staggered and dropped to his knees, firing a succession of two or three shots, one of them hitting the teen shooter.
Sheriff Bumett also fired a shot, although it is unknown which was the fatal blow to the teen shooter. The teenager was taken to the morgue and Deputy Sheriff Dunn was moved to the hotel for treatment. Just 52 hours after the shooting, Deputy Sheriff Dunn died from his gunshot wound.
Deputy Dunn had previously served as chief of police for Corvallis and had been sworn in as a deputy several years after retiring.
The night of violence began in downtown Corvallis when a gang of teenage boys went on a drinking spree. After the teenagers became violent Deputy Sheriff Osbum approached the leader, who was alone at the time, and ordered him to go home. When the teen refused, Deputy Sheriff Osbum attempted to arrest him. As Deputy Sheriff Osbum approached, the teen waved a revolver around threatening to shoot anyone who came near. His fellow teenage drinkers attempted to help, but quickly backed off after being threatened as well.
Deputy Sheriff Osbum was joined by Deputy Sheriff Dunn and the two officers continued to advance toward the teenage shooter who gave another warning and then opened fire on Deputy Sheriff Osbum. Deputy Sheriff Obsum was removed to a nearby hotel while the teen continued the stand-off.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Dunn served with the Benton County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Corvallis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Dunn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Benton County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1904, 1 officer in OR was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1904, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 82 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 43. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43.
James was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 12.2% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Tuesdays: 13%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Benton County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Benton County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Benton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
