SWAT Responds to Domestic Violence Hostage Situation, Armed Suspect Surrenders Peacefully After Hours-Long Standoff, 24 Firearms Seized (Photo)

JCSO Case 23-4557

WHITE CITY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) SWAT Team responded to a domestic dispute turned hostage situation in White City early this morning. After a nearly two-hour standoff, the suspect surrendered peacefully to JCSO deputies on scene. 

At 12:24 a.m., ECSO Dispatch received a call for a domestic violence victim in distress. The victim gave their address, and the line quickly disconnected. JCSO deputies responded to the house in the 2400 block of Agate Meadows in White City. ECSO Dispatch received information that the suspect had a gun to the victim’s head. Around 12:30 a.m. JCSO deputies arrived on scene and the victim and a child were able to escape out of a bedroom window. JCSO SWAT and Crisis Negotiators Team arrived on scene, surrounded the house, and attempted to communicate with the armed suspect. Oregon State Police and Eagle Point Police Department responded to assist.

At 2:05 a.m., the suspect still had not responded to communications. SWAT deployed an explosive noise diversionary device, also known as a flashbang. Ten minutes later the suspect put down his rifle and surrendered peacefully to awaiting law enforcement.  

The suspect, Jordan David Johnson, 33, of Medford, was booked and lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of domestic abuse menacing, two counts of reckless endangering, unlawful use of a weapon, interfering with making a report, and two counts of unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.  Johnson also had three active warrants for his arrest from Medford Police Department for unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of reckless endangering.

JCSO detectives applied for a search warrant of the residence and seized 24 firearms, including two illegal short barreled AR-style rifles, and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition. This case is open and ongoing with investigators following additional leads. There is no further information available for release.  

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the 24-hour Community Works Help Line at 541-779-4357 or 541-779-HELP (for emergencies, call 911) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance from trained advocates. You are not alone. 

###