Sheriff Crisis Negotiation Team Talks Barricaded Suspect into Surrendering Peacefully

Jackson County Sheriff's Office

JCSO Case 22-4156

RURAL JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) peacefully resolved a potentially volatile situation yesterday afternoon. JCSO Patrol deputies responded to a domestic violence assault call on the 14000 block of Upper Applegate Road outside of Jacksonville. When JCSO deputies contacted the reportedly armed suspect, he slammed the door and barricaded himself inside his residence. The victim was able to safely exit the residence. CNT was activated and made phone contact with the suspect at approximately 2:18 p.m. After establishing an open dialogue, the crisis negotiators convinced the suspect to leave the residence unarmed with his hands up and surrender peacefully to the awaiting deputies.

JCSO established the Crisis Negotiation Team to provide skilled verbal communicators who may be utilized to attempt to de-escalate, and effect surrender in critical situations where suspects have taken hostages, barricaded themselves, or have suicidal tendencies. The team is comprised of five detectives and deputies that have been trained to respond at a moment’s notice. The team works closely with mental health professionals to affect a peaceful outcome to potentially dangerous situations.

The suspect, Michael Wayne Ray, 63, has been charged with fourth-degree assault DV and harassment. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail.