Standoff Ends with Suspect in Custody (Photo)

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies resolved an eight-hour standoff Tuesday night with an arrest.  At one point, deputies exchanged gunfire with the suspect; however, nobody was injured.

On October 23, 2018, at 4:16 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call from a woman in the 1500-block of Worthington Road.  The woman reported her son, Warren Alexander Rich, 33, had arrived at her home and threatened her with a rifle.  She said Rich was exhibiting suicidal and homicidal behavior.  She was able to leave the property to call 911.

JCSO deputies, including the SWAT team and negotiators, responded to the scene.  Worthington Road was closed to traffic for the duration of the incident for the safety of the public and law enforcement.

At multiple points in the incident, Rich fired rounds from the residence.  During the final instance, two JCSO deputies returned fire when Rich shot a rifle toward a deputy.  Rich was not struck by gunfire and retreated into the residence.

Negotiations continued and less-lethal options including CS gas were deployed in an attempt to encourage Rich to exit the residence. Those efforts were unsuccessful.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., SWAT members entered the residence and took Rich into custody.  Rich was transported to Providence Medford Medical Center by Mercy Flights ambulance for treatment for minor lacerations that occurred prior to deputies entering the home. 

Rich was lodged in jail on charges of menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and a no-bail hold for parole violation.  Additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.  

Personnel from Medford Police, Ashland Police, Eagle Point Police, and Fire District 3 provided assistance during the incident.

Per protocol related to the use of deadly physical force, the Oregon State Police has assumed the investigation, with guidance from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.  The involved deputies were placed on administrative leave. 

Further information regarding the investigation will be provided by the Oregon State Police. 

Case #18-22496