Union County man arrested after multiple police respond to “possible hostage situation”

By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION COUNTY – A terrifying incident ended peacefully after multiple police responded to a possible hostage situation.

Union County deputies received a report from a woman who said a man was threatening to kill himself and not letting her leave a house on Highway 203, outside of Union, on Monday, February 12.

Multiple deputies, as well as Oregon State Troopers, responded to the scene. The woman explained that the man, identified as Donald Mawhinney, would not let her leave the house and that she feared for her life. She explained to deputies that Mawhinney allegedly repeatedly stuck a loaded pistol in his mouth and screamed at her that he was going to shoot himself. He also threw household items at her during the confrontation.

Police were able to get Mawhinney to come out of the house peacefully, and they located a gun.

He was arrested and charged with one count of menacing, a Class A misdemeanor.

The woman was unharmed.