ASHLAND, Ore. (Oct. 29, 2026) — A Jackson County grand jury has determined that an Ashland police officer was legally justified in shooting a knife-wielding man during an Oct. 26 confrontation on A Street and has indicted the man on multiple criminal charges.
The grand jury reached its decision Thursday, Oct. 29, following an investigation into the shooting involving Ashland police Officer Alex Vela and Phillip Battaglia, 36, according to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
The grand jury found that Vela was justified in using deadly physical force under Oregon law. It also returned an indictment charging Battaglia with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of first-degree criminal mischief and two counts of menacing.
Battaglia remains hospitalized, receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs. Once released, he will be lodged in the Jackson County Jail and held on $150,000 bail, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Confrontation on A Street
The shooting occurred at approximately 2 a.m. Oct. 26 after Vela and another Ashland police officer, identified as Officer Elder, were dispatched to a business alarm at 258 A St.
According to testimony presented to the grand jury, the officers approached from opposite ends of A Street and parked their patrol vehicles facing one another.
Upon arrival, they encountered a man holding a knife in his right hand who almost immediately shouted, “I’m going to kill you!”
Vela drew his firearm and repeatedly ordered the man to drop the knife. Elder moved his patrol vehicle to avoid a potential crossfire situation.
Vela recognized the man as Battaglia from previous encounters and continued addressing him by name while warning him to drop the weapon or be shot.
Vela moved behind his patrol vehicle for cover as Battaglia continued approaching with the knife, ignoring the officer’s commands.
When Battaglia reached the front of Vela’s patrol vehicle, Vela fired two shots, striking Battaglia twice in the leg and causing him to fall to the ground, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
As Elder ran to assist, Battaglia, still on the ground, swung the knife at the approaching officer.
Both officers continued ordering Battaglia to drop the weapon. Battaglia refused and attempted to stand and reengage with the officers but was unable to do so.
After additional commands, Battaglia eventually surrendered the knife, telling the officers, “I almost had you,” according to testimony presented to the grand jury.
Officers began providing medical aid after Battaglia was disarmed. Ashland Fire Department personnel arrived shortly afterward to provide additional medical care.
Vela testified that he believed Battaglia would stab him if he did not fire while the man continued advancing and disregarding his commands, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Investigation and grand jury findings
Investigators determined that Battaglia had broken multiple windows and doors in the area, triggering the business alarm that prompted the officers’ initial response.
The grand jury also heard testimony from an officer who interviewed Battaglia after he received medical treatment. During that interview, Battaglia reportedly described the incident as a “suicide mission” and said he had broken business windows to force law enforcement to respond.
Grand jurors reviewed body-worn camera footage from both officers, as well as surveillance video from a nearby business.
Under Oregon law, an officer may use deadly force when the officer reasonably believes a person poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person and deadly force is necessary to defend against that threat.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office presents officer-involved shootings in the county to a grand jury to determine whether the use of deadly force was legally justified. A grand jury consists of seven community members selected at random by the Jackson County Circuit Court.
The District Attorney’s Office concluded that Vela acted lawfully and was fully justified in his use of deadly physical force.
Vela has worked for the Ashland Police Department for approximately two years. Before joining the department, he served as a corrections deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for approximately four years. He is currently assigned to patrol.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Alyssa Claseman and Senior Deputy District Attorney Samantha Olson presented the case to the grand jury and are prosecuting the criminal charges against Battaglia.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the shooting, with assistance from Oregon State Police and the Medford Police Department.
The District Attorney’s Office said it would not release additional evidence or information while the criminal proceedings remain pending.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts, or those concerned about someone else, can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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