New details reveal the October 26 confrontation, including two shots fired, the suspect's statements to investigators, and five criminal charges.
AT A GLANCE
Incident: Officer-involved shooting on A Street in Ashland
Date: October 26, 2026, approximately 2 a.m.
Officer: Alex Vela, Ashland Police Department
Suspect: Phillip Battaglia, 36, hospitalized with two gunshot wounds to the leg
Grand Jury Finding: Officer's use of deadly physical force was legally justified
Indictment: Two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Menacing, and one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Custody: $150,000 bail; jail booking pending hospital release
ASHLAND, Ore. — A Jackson County grand jury has determined that an Ashland Police officer was legally justified in shooting a knife-armed man during an early-morning confrontation on A Street earlier this week.
The grand jury reached its decision Thursday, October 29, after reviewing testimony, police body-camera footage, and surveillance video related to the October 26 shooting.
According to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, Officer Alex Vela fired two shots at Phillip Battaglia, 36, striking him twice in the leg after Battaglia allegedly threatened officers and repeatedly ignored commands to drop a knife.
The shooting occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when Vela and Officer Lorenzo Elder responded to a business alarm at 258 A Street in downtown Ashland.
Prosecutors said the officers approached from opposite ends of A Street and encountered Battaglia holding a knife. According to the evidence presented to the grand jury, Battaglia shouted, "I'm going to kill you!" shortly after officers arrived.
Vela drew his handgun and repeatedly ordered Battaglia to drop the knife. As Battaglia continued approaching, Vela retreated behind his patrol vehicle and warned that he would shoot if Battaglia did not comply.
When Battaglia reached the front of the patrol vehicle while still holding the knife, Vela fired twice, causing him to fall.
Prosecutors said Battaglia continued holding the knife after being shot and swung it toward Elder as the second officer approached to assist. Battaglia eventually surrendered the weapon, reportedly telling officers, "I almost had you."
Officers immediately provided medical assistance before Ashland Fire & Rescue arrived and transported Battaglia for further treatment.
INVESTIGATION REVEALS SUSPECT'S INTENT
Investigators determined that Battaglia had broken windows and doors at several nearby businesses, triggering the alarm that brought officers to the area.
According to the District Attorney's Office, Battaglia later told investigators he had been on a "suicide mission" and had damaged the businesses specifically to provoke a police response.
Prosecutors said Battaglia intended to provoke officers into shooting and killing him.
Vela testified that he believed Battaglia would stab him if he did not fire his weapon.
The grand jury reviewed body-camera footage from both officers, surveillance video from a nearby business, and witness testimony before determining Vela acted lawfully under Oregon's standards governing the use of deadly physical force.
GRAND JURY RETURNS FIVE-COUNT INDICTMENT
In addition to finding the shooting justified, the grand jury indicted Battaglia on five criminal counts:
Two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon
One count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Two counts of Menacing
Battaglia remained hospitalized as of Thursday. Prosecutors said he would be lodged at the Jackson County Jail upon release and held on $150,000 bail.
The District Attorney's Office identified Vela as a two-year veteran of the Ashland Police Department who previously served approximately four years as a corrections deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office conducted the shooting investigation with assistance from Oregon State Police and Medford Police.
The grand jury's findings follow the initial October 26 announcement from Ashland Police Chief Tighe O'Meara, who reported that an officer had shot an armed suspect after responding to a business alarm. At the time, authorities had not identified the people involved or released details about the confrontation.
The Jackson County District Attorney's Office said it presents officer-involved shootings to a seven-member grand jury to determine whether the use of deadly force was legally justified.
The criminal case against Battaglia remains pending.
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential assistance available 24 hours a day.
Cover Photo / Jackson County Grand Jury Rules on Ashland Shooting: The Jackson County Courthouse in Medford, Oregon. On October 29, 2026, a Jackson County grand jury determined that an Ashland Police officer was legally justified in the October 26 shooting of Phillip Battaglia and returned a five-count indictment against him. Photo: Ken Lund / Flickr.
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