A police standoff ended Monday night, Feb. 26, in Hermiston, with two arrests, including a man the U.S. Marshals Service was after.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service, on Feb. 26 attempted to locate Jesse Jay Focht, 30, who was the subject of a warrant stemming from his involvement in an incident in the Tri-Cities,
Focht is known to frequent the Hermiston area, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. marshals at approximately 2:30 p.m. observed Focht at the residence at 559 E. Autumn Ave., Hermiston. But when deputies and marshals attempted to arrest Focht, he fled into the residence.
Oregon State Police and Hermiston Police Department helped secure the area pending a search warrant. Due to safety concerns, the Oregon State Police SWAT team also was requested to respond to the location.
For several hours, law enforcement tried to get Focht to come out of the residence peacefully of his own accord. Police negotiators repeatedly attempted communications with Focht to gain compliance, but all were fruitless, according to the sheriff’s office.
Law enforcement maintained the area and coordination with the Hermiston School District and Mid-Columbia Bus Co. to ensure the safety of the public throughout the course of this operation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Eventually, law enforcement breached the residence and used SWAT specialty equipment to search for Focht to no avail. After more attempts to call out for Focht’s compliance, police made a second breach and partial entry, the sheriff’s office reported.
Local law enforcement shortly after 10 p.m. took Focht into custody, as well as Emilee Lyn Wagoner, 24.
She is known to accompany Focht. Law enforcement arrested her at the home on a warrant.
In addition to the warrant, police arrested Focht for felon in possession of a weapon, menacing and violating probation.
Focht and Wagoner are in the Umatilla County Jail, Pendleton.
