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Suspect shot by deputy at Burger King was wanted for Gresham chase

No sheriff's deputies were injured.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Multnomah County sheriff's deputy shot and critically wounded a wanted suspect after authorities said the suspect rammed the deputy's vehicle in a Burger King parking lot.

The sheriff's office identified the suspect in the May 14 shooting as 36-year-old Vasile William Manta. Manta was wanted on charges of attempted aggravated murder and identity theft.

Gresham police said Manta led police on a chase and rammed a police vehicle before getting away on April 30. An officer fired several shots at Manta during the chase.

Vasile William Manta (photo: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office)

The May 14 shooting happened near Southeast 100th and Southeast Stark in Portland around 1:50 p.m., according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

A witness told KGW he heard three gunshots.

"I ran over there and you could see the cops with the gun still pointed at the truck, all the glass on the ground," said James O'Sullivan.

The deputy who shot Manta was identified as Matt Ferguson, a 12-year veteran of the sheriff's office. Ferguson was place on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated, per standard protocol.

No sheriff's deputies were injured in the confrontation.

Two deputies in the MCSO Special Investigations Unit were looking for Manta in the area and spotted him in the Burger King parking lot.

According to Sheriff Mike Reese, the deputies approached Manta in a red van and Manta put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated, ramming the van. That's when one Deputy Matt Ferguson opened fire.

WATCH: News conference with Sheriff Reese

Ferguson, a 12-year veteran of the sheriff's office, is on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Manta's arrest history goes back at least 16 years. It includes several drug-related and theft charges, as well as attempting to elude police.

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