Grants Pass, Ore. – A violent disturbance in a Grants Pass neighborhood led to the arrest of a felony suspect after a dramatic three-hour standoff with law enforcement on Wednesday morning.
The incident began just after 10 a.m. when the Grants Pass 9-1-1 center received a report of a violent altercation at a residence on NE 8th Street. A female victim informed dispatchers that a man had threatened to kill her with a knife, attempted to stab her, and sprayed her with bear spray before fleeing on foot.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Barney Clem, was described as wearing a bright orange shirt. Officers arrived in the area shortly afterward and spotted Clem walking on NE B Street. However, when authorities attempted to make contact, Clem fled into a nearby residence, which was known to be a nuisance property.
While searching the residence, officers discovered 36-year-old Bryan Suthann, who was wanted for a parole violation. Suthann was also found in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested without incident. Despite the arrest, officers reported hearing movement coming from within the home, suggesting Clem was still inside.
Unable to safely locate Clem, the Grants Pass Police SWAT team was called to the scene. The SWAT officers worked for hours to negotiate with Clem, while also deploying multiple irritant canisters into the attic and crawlspace of the residence in an effort to force him out.
After approximately three hours of standoff, Clem finally surrendered and was taken into custody. He was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges including menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of mace or pepper spray, and third-degree escape. The Josephine County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for additional charges, including attempted assault.
Suthann was also lodged at the Josephine County Jail for parole violation and possession of a controlled substance.
The standoff concluded without further violence, and authorities were able to safely arrest both individuals involved. The case highlights the high-stakes nature of law enforcement’s response to violent crimes in the region.