A Umatilla man is in jail after allegedly threatening to kill family members with an axe.
According to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, deputy Nathan Rankin responded around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29 to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence on Baxter Road in Hermiston.
The alleged suspect, Kacey Pankey, 26, from Umatilla, reportedly became upset during a family dinner event and threatened to injure and kill multiple persons with an axe. A family member fought with Pankey and took the axe away from him. No one was injured. Family members become concerned Pankey may gain access to other weapons including firearms and they called 911 for assistance.
While Rankin was enroute, Pankey was leaving the residence in a white Subaru wagon with a female driver. Rankin arrived at the residence with emergency lights activated and stopped the vehicle. Pankey exited the passenger side of the vehicle. He initially failed to comply with Deputy Rankin’s orders, but eventually complied.
After Rankin spoke to the alleged victims and witnesses, he lodged Pankey at the Umatilla County Jail on six counts each of the following charges: second-degree attempted assault, menacing, coercion and recklessly endangering another.
