Polk County, OR. — A 75-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday after deputies say he violated a restraining order, barricaded himself inside a home, and threatened law enforcement, prompting a tactical response from Marion County’s SWAT team.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:40 a.m. to a report of a restraining order violation at a residence on Highland Road, south of Monmouth and Independence. Deputies found that the subject, identified as Laren Garner, had arrived at the property in violation of an active restraining order, an offense that requires mandatory arrest under Oregon law.
Deputies learned that Garner remained inside the home, was armed with a firearm, and had allegedly made threats to shoot responding officers. Garner was known to deputies and had a prior history of resisting arrest. Given the elevated risk, deputies secured the perimeter and attempted to contact him, but communication efforts were unsuccessful.
Marion County’s SWAT team was requested for additional tactical and negotiation resources. Upon arrival, SWAT personnel assumed command and discovered that Garner had barricaded himself with furniture. After repeated attempts to communicate failed, the tactical team deployed gas munitions, which ultimately led to Garner’s peaceful surrender.
Authorities emphasized that there was no danger to the general public during the incident.
Garner was transported to the Polk County Jail and lodged on the restraining order violation. The case will be forwarded to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office for review, and additional charges may be considered.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in resolving the situation safely.
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