Assault and barricade situation resolved peacefully in La Grande
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — (Release from the La Grande Police Department) On Thursday, November 7, 2024, at approximately 4:26 a.m., La Grande Police officers responded to a report of an assault near N. Fir Street and T Avenue. Upon arrival, officers learned that two La Grande residents, Michael McClune-Smith, 29, and his father, Shaun Smith, 46, had been assaulted by multiple individuals.
Incident Details: Preliminary investigation revealed that hours prior to police arrival, McClune-Smith was involved in a verbal altercation with several individuals inside a residence at 1325 T Avenue. This confrontation escalated, leading to an assault involving 24-year-old Joshua Lucius, of La Grande, and 35-year-old Tory Marshall, who recently relocated from Idaho. Reports indicate that McClune-Smith was assaulted on the main floor, then forcibly taken to the basement, where he was allegedly confined for several hours and assaulted multiple times with a metal pipe, a wooden club, and fists by Lucius, Marshall, and others. McClune-Smith was reportedly eventually released by an uninvolved individual within the residence.
Concerned for the safety of McClune-Smith’s friend who remained inside, Shaun Smith went to the house to assist. During this attempt, Smith was surrounded, and Marshall allegedly struck him with a wooden club multiple times. Smith sustained minor injuries, after which he, McClune-Smith, and the friend left the residence and notified law enforcement.
McClune-Smith was transported by ambulance to Grande Ronde Hospital with injuries to his face, head, hands, torso, and knees. Shaun Smith, who sustained minor injuries, was treated at the scene.
Containment and Search Warrant Execution: Officers secured the residence at 1325 T Avenue while investigators gathered additional information and obtained a search warrant. It was determined that at least nine individuals were inside, including Lucius and Marshall. Marshall was found to have an active felony parole warrant from Idaho, which included warnings of violent tendencies and a history of battery and firearm possession. Investigators received information, including from Marshall’s parole officer, that he had recently made threats to attack police officers and engage in a deadly confrontation with law enforcement, sometimes referred to as “suicide by cop.” Individuals close to Marshall reported that he was likely armed with a firearm.
At approximately 11:55 a.m., officers began ordering occupants to exit the residence. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., nine individuals complied, including Lucius, who was taken into custody and transported to the Union County Correction Facility (UCCF). Marshall, however, remained barricaded inside.
SWAT Team Response and Arrests: Members of the Northeast Oregon Regional and Oregon State Police SWAT teams responded to ensure the safety of the community, officers, and Marshall. During the standoff, 58-year-old Joan Pehrson and 21-year-old Amelia Hunt, both of La Grande, entered the secured area at separate times, adding risk and operational challenges for officers, and ignored repeated warnings to maintain a safe distance. They were subsequently arrested for Interfering with a Peace Officer.
Efforts to communicate with Marshall were successful, and an agreement for his peaceful surrender was negotiated. Marshall surrendered and was taken into custody, and transported to UCCF. Following his surrender, officers arrested two additional individuals, 50-year-old Tyson Hancock and 21-year-old Cassidy Pehrson, both of La Grande, for Interfering with a Peace Officer due to their refusal to exit the residence as instructed.
A total of twelve individuals were removed from the residence, and investigators began processing the scene for evidence. Streets surrounding the residence were temporarily closed to ensure public safety while officers resolved the situation. All roads reopened shortly after 9:30 p.m.
Ongoing Investigation: The La Grande Police Department expresses gratitude for the support and cooperation of our community and partner agencies, which contributed to a safe resolution for everyone. Chief Bell commended all those involved, stating, “I deeply appreciate the professionalism, restraint, and dedication of our officers and assisting agencies. Their commitment was critical in ensuring a peaceful outcome, protecting our community, and upholding public safety.” The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
As of this release, in addition to the arrests mentioned above:
• Joshua Lucius has been booked into UCCF on charges of Assault II, Kidnapping I, Robbery I, Menacing, Criminal Conspiracy, Coercion, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
• Tory Marshall was taken into custody on a felony warrant from Idaho’s Commission of Pardons and Parole. Additional charges related to this incident are pending.
The La Grande Police Department was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Union County District Attorney’s Office, La Grande Fire Department, and La Grande Public Works. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact LGPD detectives at 541-963-1017.
