Prineville man sought in domestic violence case eludes police during Madras Highway closure, later agrees to surrender

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A reportedly armed suspect in a domestic violence case in Prineville ran before Crook County sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene Monday afternoon, leading to a manhunt, partial closure of Northwest Madras Highway and his eventual surrender at the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched around 1:20 p.m. Monday to the reported domestic altercation in the 1300 block of Madras Highway, Sergeant Javier Sanchez said.

Because it was reported that the man identified as Latham Martin, 23 of Prineville had a gun, several officers from Prineville Police, Crook County Parole and Probation and Oregon State Police troopers came to assist, but Martin wasn’t found.

With the help of ODOT and law enforcement, Madras Highway was partially closed for about 2 ½ hours between Gardner Road and Ninth Street “for safety reasons and apprehension efforts,” Sanchez said in a news release.

Martin later agreed to meet with deputies at the sheriff’s office, where was arrested on several charges.

Court records show Martin was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on initial felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon and coercion and misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree assault and harassment. Judge Annette Hillman set bail at $50,000 and scheduled arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment for Friday afternoon.

"The Crook County Sheriff's Office wants to thank the Prineville Police Department, ODOT, OSP Troopers, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and Crook County Parole and Probation for their help with this case," Sanchez said in a news release.