Police Rescue Two Children After 7-Hour Ashland Standoff

Ashland, Oregon- Ashland Police Department (APD) successfully resolved a tense situation last night, ensuring the safety of two children who were held hostage by a Central Point man in an Ashland apartment. The incident began unfolding when a call was received by ECSO Dispatch at 5:53 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, reporting a suicidal individual potentially armed and holding two children, aged 4 and 7, captive in an apartment located in the 300 block of Engle Street in Ashland.

After nearly seven hours of negotiations, APD, with the assistance of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) SWAT and Crisis Negotiators Team (CNT), managed to secure the release of the children and apprehend the suspect, identified as Erik Macias, 36, of Central Point. Macias faces charges including felony fourth-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence menacing, coercion, and driving while suspended. Additionally, he had two outstanding felony warrants for fourth-degree domestic violence assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII).

The coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies culminated in the safe extraction of the children, who were promptly reunited with their mother. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, along with APD, surrounded the apartment while negotiations ensued. Despite exhaustive attempts at dialogue, negotiations proved unsuccessful, leading to the deployment of diversionary tactics by the SWAT team. Subsequently, Macias was arrested without incident, and the children were rescued at 12:42 a.m.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with APD pursuing additional leads. At present, no further information is available for release.