Baker City woman allegedly assaulted, vehicle stolen on I-84
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — In a disturbing incident, a Baker City woman reported to 911 that she had been assaulted and that her car was stolen during a domestic dispute near Milepost 294 on Interstate 84, near the Baker Valley rest stop.
According to the probable cause affidavit from Oregon State Police, the woman was driving on I-84 with 28-year-old Ryan Scott Richmond on Sunday, November 5 around 11:30am when an argument ensued due to a recent breakup between them. She pulled over to the right shoulder and exited the vehicle. Richmond followed her out the car, preventing her from walking away. The situation escalated as both parties ran back to the vehicle. They both got back into the car and Richmond then allegedly backhanded the woman on her face.
Following the alleged assault, the woman walked away from the scene and sought help at the Baker Valley Rest Area, where she was met by an OSP Trooper. Meanwhile, Richmond took off in her vehicle, later crashing and abandoning it. Richmond was subsequently located and arrested in La Grande.
A commercial truck driver traveling westbound on I-84 witnessed the assault and promptly called 911. He says he saw a man sitting in the car hit a woman in the face with the back of his hand.
Richmond is now in custody at the Baker County Jail, facing charges of Assault IV, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Harassment. The OSP is actively investigating the incident.
