Roll of Honor
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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- 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.
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
Deputy Sheriff James W. Dunn, II 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 Benton County Sheriff's Office, 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. James W. Dunn, II's cause is highlighted.
How James W. Dunn, II Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James W. Dunn, II is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James W. Dunn, II was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Benton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
