Owner of weapon that injured Atkinson named

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August 02, 2008

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Jacksonville City Councilman Bill R. Leep is the owner of a derringer that accidentally discharged and wounded state Sen. Jason Atkinson in the right leg Tuesday.

The Central Point Police Department released the name Friday after the Mail Tribune filed a public records request the night before.

Leep, who has been in contact with Atkinson and his family, expressed regret about the accident in a prepared statement Friday.

"Whereas I understand the interest to explore the details, I feel the emphasis should be for the hopeful and anticipated progress of Jason," stated Leep. "I deeply regret the hardship and would ask for your respect and prayers for a speedy recovery."

Leep, 53, had a derringer inside a cloth bag attached to his bike. When he brought the bike to Atkinson's Central Point garage, the Republican senator removed the bag to work on the bike but dropped it, causing the derringer to discharge.

Atkinson, 37, an avid cyclist, remains in serious condition at Providence Medford Medical Center.

Family members say he will require at least one more surgery from the bullet wound in the thigh area just above the knee.

Lt. Steve McGee of Central Point police initially didn't want to reveal Leep's name because of sensitivity to his family.

He said he didn't know that Leep was a city councilman and real estate developer.

After reviewing public records law Thursday, McGee said, "I thought it was in the best interest of everyone to release the information."

Leep, who said he has been a councilman for more than 11 years, didn't want to be interviewed about the accident and said he wouldn't take questions.

"The whole emphasis here is not about me," he said. "It is about being optimistic and hopeful about Jason."

After meeting with Atkinson in the hospital, he described the senator as very spirited and positive.

Leep is co-owner of Paradise Ranch, a resort in Merlin with a 7,418-yard golf course that will be completed by summer 2009.

McGee said Leep cooperated fully during the investigation.

Leep did not have a concealed weapon permit, but Central Point police have decided not to charge him because the accident took place on private property.

The police have recovered the .38-caliber bullet lodged in Atkinson's leg.

Medford police Lt. Tim George said his department would disclose a name if there was no investigative reason to withhold information.

"We wouldn't have any reason not to release," he said.

He said that in most cases the names of all parties involved are released, with the exception of witnesses and others who could provide important testimony.

Without knowing all the circumstances, George said it doesn't appear that there was any criminal actions in this case.

"There wouldn't have been unlawful possession of a firearm if it was in someone's garage," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

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