Oregon Logger Charged In Police Officer's Death

CANYON CITY, Ore.

A logger has been arraigned on charges of aggravated murder in the death of a John Day police officer who apparently was struck in the head when he tried to intervene in a domestic dispute.

Sidney Dean Porter, 32, is accused of killing Officer Frank L. Ward, 39, who responded to a complaint early Wednesday of a loud noise related to a domestic dispute at Porter's home.

Porter also is charged with assaulting his wife, Terry Porter, 31.

Ward died of a blow to the head.

Porter was being held in the Grant County Jail without bail, although the defense attorney may seek a bail hearing at a later date.

Ward was the first police officer killed in the line of duty in Oregon since Dec. 17, 1984.