By Garrett Christensen on Friday, January 24th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
MALHEUR COUNTY – (Release from the Malheur County District Attorney) On January 22, 2025, at approximately 2:18pm, the Malheur County Dispatch Center received a 911 report of an individual shooting a firearm from a residence near Owyhee Avenue and Highway 201N. It was reported the suspect had discharged a firearm at a vehicle passing through the area, which caused the windows in the vehicle to shatter.
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and Troopers from the Oregon State Police Ontario Area Command immediately responded to the scene. At approximately 2:24pm, while officers were still responding, Malheur County Dispatch received additional calls of shots still being fired. Between 2:26pm and 2:29pm, there were continued reports of shots still being fired, indicative of an active shooter situation.
At approximately 2:35pm, personnel from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office arrived within the area. At approximately 2:40pm, multiple Oregon State Police Troopers arrived. Troopers and Deputies began to evacuate citizens within the area. A short time later, additional officers arrived, including the Ontario Police Department.
Citizens within the Owyhee Rock Store indicated the suspect was located at 714 Owyhee Avenue. Officers moved into position to evacuate civilians at the Rock Store. At approximately 3:10pm, the suspect fired several rounds in the direction of law enforcement. At approximately 3:17pm, shots were still being fired towards law enforcement from a high powered semi-automatic rifle. OSP SWAT was requested to respond and assist.
The Oregon Department of Transportation and Nyssa Road Department responded to assist with roadway closures on Highway 201N. Ontario Fire and Rescue and Treasure Valley Paramedics responded and staged within the area. The subject was identified as Joel Evan Brousseau, 58 years old.
OSP Troopers from La Grande, Baker City, and Burns all responded to assist. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office responded and provided an armored vehicle. The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office activated their Critical Incident Response Team. As additional resources were being allocated to the scene, continued shots were being fired from the suspect. At approximately 4:42pm, an officer on scene exchanged shots with the suspect. Additional shots were fired from the suspect between 4:42pm and 5:10pm. A Malheur County armored vehicle and the Baker County armored vehicle were able to approach the residence and contain the suspect within his residence.
Between 6:00pm and 10:00pm, OSP SWAT resources started arriving on scene. The suspect was heavily barricaded within his residence. OSP and Ontario Fire and Rescue utilized drone surveillance. OSP SWAT personnel, armored vehicles and a robot operator were deployed to attempt entry into the residence. Entry efforts were hindered by several steps taken by the suspect to barricade the doors and windows of the residence. SWAT was able to use their armored vehicle equipped with a ram to penetrate the barricaded doors and windows to the residence. SWAT was then able to clear the residence utilizing the robot and drones equipped with video.
The suspect was discovered deceased within the residence at approximately 11:30pm. Evidence was gathered by law enforcement and the Oregon State Crime Lab. Further investigation continues into Brousseau’s cause of death, but initial assessment suggests it was from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Special thanks to Ontario Police, Oregon State Police, Malheur County Sheriff’s Department and the numerous out-of-county resources and personnel for their joint efforts in resolving this dangerous situation.