Crime & Safety
Benton County, OR Armed Barricade Ends With Suspect in Custody
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Photo: Country Herald
Monroe, OR – An armed barricade in Benton County ended with a 42-year-old man in custody Wednesday after reported gunfire inside a Monroe home prompted evacuations, a shelter-in-place notification and lockouts at two nearby schools.
According to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 7:30 a.m. to the 700 block of Commercial Street after a resident called 911 and reported that James Nathan Brown of Halsey had allegedly fired a gun inside the home and barricaded himself inside with the caller.
The family member escaped unharmed a short time later, authorities said.
As deputies worked to resolve the standoff, residents within approximately one block were evacuated. Monroe Elementary School and Monroe High School entered lockout status, meaning exterior access was restricted while normal activities continued inside.
Deputies said Brown allegedly refused repeated attempts to communicate, including through distractionary tactics. He eventually exited the residence but allegedly did not comply with deputies' directions.
Less-lethal devices were then used to take Brown into custody at approximately 11 a.m., according to the sheriff's office. The evacuations and school lockouts were lifted around 11:15 a.m.
Brown was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis for evaluation of minor injuries.
Authorities said Brown was also wanted on felony warrants from the Linn County and Lane County sheriff's offices. In Benton County, he was charged with criminal mischief II, menacing, disorderly conduct II and recklessly endangering another person.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Multiple Corvallis and Benton County public safety agencies assisted during the incident.
