Knife-wielding man is arrested
By Terry Murry on Sunday, February 14th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Oregon State Police report that Manuel Russell, 38, of Bellingham, Washington is now in Umatilla County Jail facing charges of attempted assault with a knife in an incident at mile post 203 westbound Saturday night.
OSP Trooper Ryan Sharp reports he saw the vehicle stuck off the shoulder of the freeway in a snowbank. He said he contacted the driver, who was uncooperative, showed signs of driving under the influence, and was reaching around inside his vehicle. Another trooper arrived on the scene as backup.
“The driver reached under items in the passenger seat and grabbed a large hunting-style knife,” Sharp wrote in his incident summary. “A struggle ensued, and force was used on the driver until the knife was wrestled away from him.”
Sharp said Russell was taken into custody without serious injury. He is lodged in Umatilla County Jail on charges that include driving under the influence, second-degree attempted assault, unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and reckless driving.
