MAN KILLED DEFENDING 60 POT PLANTS

TILLER, Ore. (AP) -- A suspected marijuana grower who opened fire on
officers and died in the ensuing gunfight gave his life in defense of 60
pot plants, authorities said.

The plants, each up to 8 feet tall, were found on 63-year-old Lewis Stanley
McClendon's rural southern Oregon property after the investigation into
Friday's shootout, which left two deputies injured.

McClendon came out firing a .357-Magnum handgun when a team of narcotics
officers came to serve a search his home and barn about 17 miles northeast
of Tiller, authorities said.

Douglas County sheriff's deputies Coy Kratz and Jeff Admire were shot
before they could even get out of their squad cars. Kratz was hospitalized
in fair condition with bullet wounds to his legs.

Admire was released from the hospital Saturday after being treated for a
wound to the leg and a deep bruise to his chest, where a bullet struck his
flak jacket.

Little information about McClendon, who also made music boxes, was
available Monday, although a police mugshot on file indicates he was known
to authorities.

The officers had reports there was an indoor marijuana-growing operation at
McClendon's residence.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan