NYSSA, Oregon — Suspect arrested
Rene Castro, the suspect in the killing of Officer Joseph Johnson has been arrested as confirmed by the Malheur County District Attorney. Malheur County District Attorney released a statement saying that in the early morning hours on Monday Oregon State police SWAT officers joined by members of the FBI, Ontario Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies surrounded a residence in Ontario and began calling occupants from the home. At approximately 7:40 am Rene Castro exited a structure and was taken into custody by OSP SWAT personnel. Neither Castro nor SWAT personnel were injured during his arrest.
David M. Goldthorpe District Attorney for Malheur County has announced a press conference for Tuesday, April 18, at 11 am. "Words simply don't seem adequate to describe the relief spreading through the community, mixed with the continued deep grief at the loss of a dedicated public servant," says Goldthorpe.
What happened
Nyssa, Oregon (CBS2) - The community of Nyssa is mourning the loss of Officer Joseph Johnson. He was killed in the line of duty Saturday night.
The Malheur County District Attorney’s Office says 43-year-old Reserve Officer Joseph Johnson died in the line of duty Saturday night.
The District Attorney’s Office believes Rene Castro shot and killed Officer Johnson during a chase. The DA’s Office says Officer Johnson had been responding to a report of someone damaging property and threatening people near a home in Nyssa. As the Officer was responding to the call, he learned the suspect had left the scene in a vehicle and began chasing him.
The District Attorney’s Office says it appeared the vehicle was stopping at the corner of Locust and 3rd Street North. Officer Johnson pulled off the road. As he made the stop, the District Attorney’s Office an armed person (believed to be Castro) began shooting Officer Johnson. They say there was no time to return fire before Officer Johnson had been hit.
The response
There was a large response to the Officer being shot. EMTs, Malheur County Sheriff, Oregon State Police, Ontario Police, and many other agencies from La Grande, Oregon to departments in Idaho.
Searching for the suspect
The Malheur County District Attorney’s Office says the FBI and Oregon State Police are involved in the investigation. Rene Castro remains on the run and is considered armed and dangerous.
How you can help
The Nyssa Police Department says it is working closely with the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation to provide assistance to Corporal Johnson’s family during this time.
Donations can be made here.
Impact on the Department and Community
The community of Nyssa will feel the loss of Cpl. Johnson in many ways. The city has a small police department. The Malheur County District Attorney says the city has 5 full-time Officers and 8 reserve Officers. On the City's website, 9 Officers are listed, including Cpl. Johnson.
Remembering the fallen Officer
Police departments in Oregon and Washington are remembering the fallen Officer. You can read some of their tributes here.
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