Incident
Reserve Officer Robert Libke succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day after responding to a house fire on Linn Avenue at approximately 1:00 pm.
As emergency crews arrived at the scene they were informed the occupant was armed. Officer Libke was one of the first officers on scene and confronted the man at gunpoint, ordering him to drop his gun. The 88-year-old subject instead opened fire with a revolver, striking Officer Libke in the head. Officer Libke was unable to return fire.
The subject committed suicide at the location a short time later.
Officer Libke was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in grave condition. He passed away the following day after being taken off of life support.
Officer Libke had served with the Oregon City Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his expectant wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-27E4C23C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Reserve Officer Libke gave the Oregon City Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oregon City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Officer Libke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Reserve Officer Robert A. Libke is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Oregon City Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert A. Libke's cause is highlighted.
How Robert A. Libke Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert A. Libke is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert A. Libke was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Oregon City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.