Update: Standoff Along Highway 26 Ends Peacefully near Mitchell

UPDATE: The Wheeler County Sheriff's Office has released new information on the standoff situation that unfolded Friday evening along Highway 26 near Mitchell.

On August 21, 2026, at approximately 1415 hours, deputies from the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a disabled vehicle on Highway 26 near milepost 51.

Upon clearing the initial contact with the vehicle, which was occupied by a single female, deputies observed an adult male in his mid-30s exhibiting unusual behavior. Matching the description given by the female occupant of the disabled vehicle, the deputies believed the male was associated with the disabled vehicle and may be in distress, deputies initiated contact and positively identified him. A records check confirmed the individual had multiple active arrest warrants.

As deputies attempted to calm the situation and place the suspect into custody, the individual began engaging aggressively with law enforcement and brandished a firearm. During the encounter, a firearm was discharged. No injuries were sustained by the suspect, law enforcement, or members of the public.
To ensure public safety, Highway 26 was closed in both directions. The Oregon State Police (OSP) and the OSP Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene to assist.

After multiple hours of continuous negotiation, the suspect surrendered peacefully and without further incident.

The Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all responding partner agencies for their invaluable assistance during this high-risk incident:

Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police Crisis Negotiation Team
Mitchell Ambulance
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Frontier Regional 911 Dispatch Center

We thank our community for their patience and understanding during the temporary closure of Highway 26.

No further details of the investigation will be shared as the investigation is currently open and ongoing.

UPDATE: Highway 26 is now closed between milepost 49 and milepost 52 due to ongoing police activity.

UPDATE: A new photo posted through ODOT's TripCheck system from the area shows two first responder vehicles on the side of Highway 26.

UPDATE: KTVZ News has learned from sources there is a possible standoff along the highway.

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- ODOT is reporting Highway 26 is closed 13 miles west of Mitchell due to police activity. According to TripCheck, the highway was closed at 3:40 pm.

KTVZ News has reached out to Oregon State Police for further information.

This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.