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OSP releases shooting file Cole Smith case fills 1,00 pages By Chris Bristol The Oregon State Police has released its master file concerning the "suicide-by-cop" of Cole Smith, providing for the first time details and insight that until now had been heard by only a grand jury. At more than 1,000 pages, the so-called "case book" includes statement after statement from police officers who played a role, however minor, in the controversial and chaotic 90-minute standoff Dec. 28 outside OSP district headquarters in Central Point. Three Medford officers shot the 25-year-old Philomath man to death after he was forced from his truck. A deputy state medical examiner who witnessed the standoff from inside the station counted more than 20 bullet wounds. Smith was unarmed but for a razor case, and though police initially defended their actions on the grounds that Smith was suicidal and behaved as though he had a gun, questions persist about the tactical decisions they made that night. A Jackson County grand jury in January cleared the officers of any wrongdoing. Since then, authorities have refused to discuss the case publicly, citing the threat of a lawsuit promised by Smith's widow. A citizens advisory committee that wanted to air the details last month was turned down by Medford police, who say they have not even performed an internal review. The city attorney last month warned city officials not to talk about the case publicly. The state police apparently have no such qualms. Lt. Greg Hastings, a spokesman at OSP headquarters in Salem, said Thursday his agency has nearly completed its own review and plans to release the findings soon. The Mail Tribune obtained a copy of the file Thursday, in response to a public records request dated Jan. 20. A Eugene law firm that shooting represents Smith's widow, Jennifer, also demanded the file. Despite the threat, no lawsuit has been filed in any state court. Jennifer Smith could not be reached for comment Thursday, and her lawyer did not return a phone call. The bulk of the file comprises transcripts from interviews with more than two dozen police officers who were at the scene of the shooting. It also has statements from other witnesses, including members of a wedding party next door. The Smiths had lived in Philomath only a few months. The couple was from Grass Valley, Calif., and Cole Smith apparently was returning there after having a fight with his wife. Authorities are not sure why he stopped in Central Point. Investigators say Smith spoke openly of forcing a "suicide-by-cop," and police theorize that he detoured after spotting the OSP district headquarters sign on Interstate 5. The file was released only after OSP officials in Salem consulted the state Attorney General's Office. Medford police had refused to release their copy, saying the case belonged to state police. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA