A Bend Police patrol vehicle is seen in this file photo.

BEND — A Bend police officer shot and killed a driver on the Bend Parkway Wednesday evening following a crash.

Few details about the shooting were released Wednesday, but Bend Police Department spokeswoman Sheila Miller said it occurred after officers responded to the report of a crash on the parkway near Butler Market Road at 8:17 p.m.

When officers arrived at the scene in the northbound lanes, multiple witnesses said a vehicle had been driving recklessly and speeding, nearly causing several other crashes, Miller said. 

“Officers located the suspect vehicle and its driver at the scene. At approximately 8:30 p.m., a Bend police officer fired his service weapon and used deadly force during an encounter with the driver,” according to a release from Miller. 

The driver was not identified.

Officers at the scene attempted to perform life-saving care, Miller said.

The officer, who was not identified Wednesday, will be placed on paid leave as the case is investigated.

The Bend Parkway was closed for hours after the incident, causing a traffic backup in both directions as police investigated. 

The Tri-County Major Incident Team is investigating the incident, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will oversee the shooting investigation, Miller said.