Central Point man taken into custody, 4- and 7-year-olds OK
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
A Central Point man was arrested and two children safely rescued at the end of seven-hour standoff at an Ashland apartment Thursday evening, according to a release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ashland Police Department responded to a call came that came in at 5:53 p.m., reporting a suicidal and potentially armed male holding two children — ages 4 and 7 — in an apartment on the 300 block of Engle Street, authorities said. Engle is a block east of Clay Street, off Villard Street.
At 9 p.m., APD officers had been unable to subdue the suspect and called in additional resources. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded. APD officers and deputies surrounded the property, detectives applied for a search warrant and a crisis negotiator got the suspect on the phone, according to the release.
Efforts to negotiate a release of the children lasted until after midnight. Officers then entered the apartment with the help of a “diversionary device” — also called a flash bang — and K9 resources. The suspect was arrested and by 12:42 a.m. the children were returned to their mother, the release said.
Erik Macias, 36, of Central Point was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of felony fourth-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence menacing, coercion, and driving while suspended.
The suspect had additional outstanding felony warrants including fourth-degree domestic violence assault and driving under the influence of intoxications (DUII).
Macias has a long criminal record dating back to 2006 and including other felony charges such as assault, harassment and DUII, according to court records.
Macias is being held without bail, according to the Jackson County Jail roster. The case is open with the Ashland Police Department.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
This article mentions suicide. Individuals in crisis or looking to help someone else who is can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for more resources.
