Ontario Police seek armed and dangerous man armed with machete

MALHEUR COUNTY – (Released by the Ontario Police Department) On June 2, 2024, at 8:31 a.m. Ontario Police Department (OPD) responded to the intersection of E. Idaho Ave and N. Oregon Street for a male reportedly damaging a fence. The subject was known to law enforcement as Juan Manual Martinez, age 37, of Ontario. Initially, Mr. Martinez ran from Officers but was re-contacted near the original location. A Deputy from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and two Oregon State Police Troopers responded to assist.

Mr. Martinez had a machete and was holding it to his chin when Officers re-contacted him. While verbally communicating with Mr. Martinez and attempting to de-escalate the situation an OSP Trooper deployed a Taser, which was ineffective and an OPD officer deployed a less lethal bean bag round which was also ineffective. Mr. Martinez ran from the area and a search of the surrounding area, and businesses was initiated. Officers were unable to locate him and his whereabouts are unknown.

Mr. Martinez has multiple active warrants for his arrest and should be considered armed and dangerous. Please do not approach him. If you know his whereabouts, please contact the Malheur County Dispatch Center at 541-473-5125.

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