NE Madras report of despondent man who fired shots in home prompts evacuations, ‘shelter in place’ alert, ends quietly
(Update: More on Frontier Regional 911 alerts)
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A welfare check on a despondent man who a caller said hurt himself and fired shots in a northeast Madras home Monday evening prompted the call-out of numerous officers, evacuation of nearby residents, street closures and a “shelter in place” notice, ending with his transport to the hospital for evaluation.
Officers responded around 6:25 p.m. to a request for a welfare check at a home in the 400 block of NE Cedar Street, Madras Police Chief Tim Plummer and Public Information Officer Lysa Vattimo said in a news release. The caller said others in the home escaped without incident and were heading to a safe location.
Officers sought and received more coverage from neighboring law enforcement and medics were standing by, while the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team deployed.
“Based on information received by dispatchers, officers made the decision to evacuate residents immediately adjacent to” that home, Vattimo told NewsChannel 21. They staged themselves in safe locations to watch the home and tried to contact the man, who did not respond.
Cedar Street was closed to through traffic at 10th Street through to Chestnut Street, as well as Beverly Drive where it connects to Cedar Street while law enforcement were on scene.
“For your safety and the safety of officers, stay away from the area,” Madras police said in a Facebook post. “We will not post details about the incident here and expect the community to respond accordingly, for safety reasons.”
Around 7:15 p.m., firefighters noticed a strong odor of natural gas or propane, Plummer and Vattimo said. Cascade Natural Gas was contacted to shut off gas in the area for the safety of all involved.
Meanwhile, the Jefferson County Everbridge system was used to alert neighbors within a quarter-mile to shelter in place. Residents can sign up for the notification system to receive alerts about emergencies in their area.
Officers requested and were issued a search warrant for the home around 7:30 p.m. and entered the home around 8:20 p.m., officials said. The man soon was taken to St, Charles Madras for evaluation.
The “shelter in place” order was lifted by around 9:30 p.m. and evacuees were allowed to return to their homes, though law enforcement remained in the area and at the home to complete their work.
“From beginning to end, officers kept the safety of all, including the person experiencing crisis, at the forefront,” said Police Chief Tim Plummer. ”Dispatchers did an outstanding job, neighbors did exactly what officers asked, and all law enforcement teams worked together flawlessly. “While the incident caused some temporary inconveniences to the neighbors, the inconveniences were necessary for everyone’s safety.”
If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available nationwide 24/7 by dialing 988.
At approximately 7:42 pm, a “Shelter in Place Advisory” for anyone within approximately one-quarter mile radius of the intersection of Northeast Cedar Street and Northeast Beverley Street was sent via the Frontier Regional Alert system.
Those who have: (1) previously opted in to receive emergency alerts from Frontier Regional Alert; and (2) with registered addresses within the geofence established (see photo) as part of their account registration were alerted.
The “Shelter in Place” advisory was lifted around 10 p.m. following confirmation that the subject was taken into custody, and that there were no other safety risks present.
James Matthews, Public Information Officer (PIO) for Frontier Regional 911 issued the following statement:
“The circumstances reported required the highest level of strategic response by every involved agency. This all began with the swift actions of our call-taker and radio dispatcher. I am proud to work with and alongside the best of the best, on both sides of the radio. I am grateful that this ended peacefully and the subject received the help he needed.”
Anyone who has not opted in to receive emergency alerts from Frontier Regional 911 through the Frontier Regional Alert program is encouraged to do so, and can register for free through this link.
Anyone with questions reference the Frontier Regional Alert program can contact James Matthews at 541-384-2080 or by email at james@frontier911.org
