Two arrested following separate mental health calls in La Grande

By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

LA GRANDE – Capping off 2024, the La Grande Police Department recently responded to two separate mental health related calls for service that ultimately resulted in arrests. The first of these calls occurred at around 8:55 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024. The LGPD responded to several 911 calls reporting a female (later identified as 41-year-old Jennifer Shields of La Grande) screaming while attempting to break into an apartment at Thunderbird Apartments located at 307 20th Street, La Grande

When officers arrived, Jennifer was, according to details provided by the LGPD, “exhibiting signs of mental distress and noncompliance.” She was reportedly screaming and behaving erratically. An investigation later revealed that Jennifer had recently been evicted from the apartment, with witnesses reporting her attempting to kick in the door. This break in attempt was unsuccessful.

Officers on scene attempted to calm Jennifer down and de-escalate the situation, however, she continued to behave uncooperatively and later attempted to flee on foot after being told she was under arrest. Officers apprehended Jennifer following a brief chase, though she continued to resist by attempting to pull away.

Jennifer was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Union County Jail. She was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct II, Resisting Arrest, Escape III, and Attempted Criminal Trespass II. No injuries were reported from anyone involved.

The second call occurred at around 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The LGPD responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at the Royal Motor Inn, 1510 Adams Ave, La Grande. Officers arrived and made contact with the owners of the business, who informed them that their son (26-year-old Christopher Swanson of La Grande) had set a fire in the center of his room at the inn. The blaze set off the building’s fire alarm system, though it was extinguished by the owners before it caused significant damage.

Once the fire was out, however, Christopher (who reportedly suffers from a mental health condition) allegedly attempted to attack the owners with a large candlestick holder. A nearby resident then intervened and restrained Christopher before any major harm could be done. After arriving, officers made contact with Christopher, who, according to info provided by the LGPD, “refused to communicate and displayed signs of a significant mental health crisis.”

The owners expressed fear for their lives and requested that charges be pursued. Christopher Swanson was subsequently arrested and charged with Reckless Burning, Disorderly Conduct II, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Attempted Assault II, and Menacing. He was lodged in the Union County Jail.

The LGPD will contact The Center for Human Development (CHD) in regard to both cases.

(Photo of the candle sick described in the second cases provided by the LGPD)