La Grande man who attempted suicide on construction crane in 2023 arrested for rape
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — A La Grande man who attempted to take his own life by jumping off a construction crane at Grande Ronde Hospital in July of 2023 is now accused of raping a teen.
22-year-old Walker Adam Hackett was arrested by La Grande Police on Monday, August 13 on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sex abuse, second-degree sex abuse, sexual misconduct, and endangering the welfare of a minor, among other charges.
La Grande Police says his arrest is the result of an investigation that began in June of 2023 after a 16-year-old female reported Hackett had allegedly raped her.
“The victim had only known Hackett for a short period of time prior to the alleged sexual assault taking place. Interviews were conducted and evidence was collected and analyzed,” said Lt. Jason Hays of the La Grande Police Department. “DNA evidence played a major role in this case.”
On July 5 of 2023, Hackett attempted to die by suicide by climbing a 130-foot construction crane at Grande Ronde Hospital and jumping off with a rope around his neck. Police confirmed on that day that emergency medical crews were able to quickly get to him and transported him to the emergency room. He was then transported by Life Flight to a regional hospital. The tower crane was the hospital as part of an ongoing $72.5 million, 96,000-square-foot expansion project. It has since been removed.
Police confirm Hackett was under investigation for the alleged rape at the time he attempted to commit suicide, but it is unknown whether his failed attempt was related to the investigation.
Hackett is currently in custody at the Union County Jail.
