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Today the Portland Police Bureau released an audio recording of radio communications from the police-involved shooting incident that left North Portland resident Keaton Otis dead and police officer Chris Burley hospitalized. Some transcripts of the recording are posted by the Portland Mercury.

At a press conference today, the Portland Police Bureau and Mayor Sam Adams detailed a step by step break down of what they contend occurred at the May 12th shooting that left Keaton Otis dead. Newly installed Police Chief Mike Reese says that Otis, a young African American male, was initially tailed by police because Otis was “driving with his hoodie down” on a “hot day," and that he was focused on the police car behind him and “not on his driving.”

Otis apparently was pulled over on NE 6th Ave and then moved back into traffic and pulled over a second time one block to the south.

Reese stated that this stop and start, more than anything, created a “hightened state of awareness” for officers.

“That’s a concern that we are are going to wind up in a pursuit,” said Reese.

More officers arrived quickly. The patrol cars parked in front of Otis to prevent him from fleeing.

Last night, May 22nd, ego-maniacal publisher Cornelius Swart apparently won a major award thingy from the Society of Professional Journalists. Swart was awarded first place in the category of Best Online Coverage for this publication's 2009 stories on North Precinct.  The Sentinel competed in the category of non-daily newspaper with a circulation of 8,000 or more. This category includes publications like Oregon Business Magazine and the Willamette Week.

"I am gratified to see that years of ruthlessly pursuing my own self interest has finally paid off," said Swart in an acceptance speech that lasted approximately 6 hours and 41 minutes. "This is a tremendous honor.  I have no one to thank."

Typical of Swart's solipsistic blundering and general nincompoopery, he neglected to mention that he was only one member of an editorial team that covered the precinct. The team included Roger Anthony, Rebecca Robinson, Justin Dean, Rebbeca Bartleson, Jason Kaplan and William Crawford.

"I don't even know those people," said Swart defensively, when asked about his oversight.

Political blogger TA Barnhart from the Oregon News Incubator sits down to discuss his views and picks for this month's races in City Council, County Commission, Metro President and Governor.

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