Oregon Police Investigating Car Crash, Shooting Involving UFC Veteran Gerald Strebendt
Police are investigating a gun death in Springfield, Ore.,
allegedly involving
UFC veteran Gerald
Strebendt, according to a
report from The Register-Guard. David Paul Crofut was fatally
shot Wednesday evening, shortly after his vehicle collided with
Strebendt’s truck, The Register-Guard reported early Friday
morning. Strebendt has not been charged in the case, according to
the report, which indicated that police are investigating the
possibility that Crofut was shot in a legal act of
self-defense.
Sherdog.com attempted to contact Springfield police Sgt. David Lewis to confirm the current status of the case, but Lewis could not immediately be reached for comment. Police reportedly met with Lane County prosecutors on Thursday to discuss the case.
According to the report, Strebendt was among those who called 911 to report the shooting shortly before 8 p.m., after which officers arrived on scene and found Crofut dead. A firearm allegedly belonging to Strebendt was the only weapon taken from the scene, The Register-Guard reported.
A former Marine, Strebendt began his pro MMA career in 2001 and posted a 6-2 record before making his lone Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance opposite Josh Thomson at UFC 44. Following that 2003 defeat, “The Finishing Machine” would go 3-4 in his next seven outings, last competing in January 2008. Outside the cage, Strebendt owns and operates Northwest Training Center in Springfield, Ore.
Sherdog.com attempted to contact Springfield police Sgt. David Lewis to confirm the current status of the case, but Lewis could not immediately be reached for comment. Police reportedly met with Lane County prosecutors on Thursday to discuss the case.
According to the report, Strebendt was among those who called 911 to report the shooting shortly before 8 p.m., after which officers arrived on scene and found Crofut dead. A firearm allegedly belonging to Strebendt was the only weapon taken from the scene, The Register-Guard reported.
A former Marine, Strebendt began his pro MMA career in 2001 and posted a 6-2 record before making his lone Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance opposite Josh Thomson at UFC 44. Following that 2003 defeat, “The Finishing Machine” would go 3-4 in his next seven outings, last competing in January 2008. Outside the cage, Strebendt owns and operates Northwest Training Center in Springfield, Ore.
