Law enforcement capture armed and dangerous man wielding machete in Ontario
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, June 14th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ONTARIO — (Release by Ontario Police) Just after midnight on June 13th, Ontario Police, Malheur County Sheriff’s Department, and the Oregon State Police conducted a knock and talk at a residence located in Ontario (900 block of Fortner Street). Mr. Juan Manuel Martinez barricaded himself inside a residential bathroom. Following police commands, Mr. Martinez failed to comply. Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) was deployed via a wand adaptor under the door. Minutes later, Mr. Martinez opened the door and surrendered. Mr. Martinez was decontaminated by Ontario Police and Medics. He was arrested on four warrants and transported to Malheur County Jail with additional charges pending.
Law enforcement personnel have been searching for the whereabouts of Mr. Martinez since June 2, 2024, from an incident involving property damage. During this initial contact, Mr. Martinez brandished a machete, held it to his chin, and fled on foot. With the help of the public, several investigative leads were shared with law enforcement which led to the June 13th contact.
The Ontario Police Department would like to thank the community and our partnering public safety agencies for ensuring Mr. Martinez was taken into custody with minimal force.
