Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies took a Halsey man into custody Wednesday after a barricade situation in Monroe led to evacuations, a shelter-in-place notice and lockouts at two schools.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 700 block of Commercial Street shortly after 7:30 a.m. following a 911 call from a resident who reported that James Nathan Brown, 42, had fired a gun in the home and barricaded himself inside with the caller. The family member was not injured and escaped the residence a short time later.
As a precaution, Monroe Elementary School and Monroe High School were placed on lockout status, meaning exterior doors were secured and access restricted while classes continued inside. Deputies also evacuated residents within roughly a block of the home as they worked to resolve the standoff.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies attempted to communicate with Brown throughout the incident, including using distraction tactics, but he refused to engage. Brown eventually exited the home around 11 a.m. but reportedly did not follow deputies’ directions, prompting them to use less-lethal devices to take him into custody. Lockouts and evacuations were lifted by about 11:15 a.m.
Medics transported Brown to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis for evaluation of minor injuries, according to the release.
Brown was booked on outstanding felony warrants from Linn and Lane counties and faces Benton County charges of second-degree criminal mischief, menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering another person.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the Corvallis Police Department, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, Corvallis Fire Department, Monroe Fire and Benton County Mental Health for their assistance.