Hatchet-Wielding Suspect Arrested Following Shop Smart Robbery in Cave Junction

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. (Nov. 2, 2026) — A 37-year-old man was arrested Sunday evening after allegedly threatening a victim with a hatchet and stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from a Cave Junction business, according to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 6:02 p.m. Nov. 1, 2026, Josephine County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Shop Smart in Cave Junction following a reported robbery. Dispatchers advised that the suspect, described as a man riding a bicycle, had reportedly used a hatchet during the incident.

Investigators determined that the suspect, identified as Wayne Patrick Baker, 37, threatened the victim multiple times with the hatchet before fleeing the business with more than $1,000 worth of merchandise, the sheriff’s office said.

While responding to the robbery, deputies located Baker riding a bicycle on Highway 199 near Laurel Road, in the area of the Lil’ Pantry/Sinclair gas station.

Deputies attempted to stop Baker, but he allegedly refused to comply with commands and continued fleeing on his bicycle.

During the attempt to take Baker into custody, deputies used a patrol vehicle to block his path alongside a highway guardrail. Baker attempted to maneuver around the patrol vehicle and intentionally struck its front bumper, causing damage, according to the sheriff’s office.

Baker was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.

The following charges have been referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office for review:

• Robbery in the first degree

• Unlawful use of a weapon

• Theft in the first degree

• Menacing

• Criminal mischief in the first degree

• Resisting arrest

The charges have been referred for prosecutorial review.

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All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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