NYSSA, Ore. — Police have arrested Rene Castro, 36, the man suspected of shooting and killing Nyssa Police Department reserve officer Joseph Johnson around 8:20 p.m. Saturday night.
Johnson, who also worked at the Oregon Department of Corrections as a mental health counselor, was 43 years old.
"He will be missed," said David Goldthorpe, Malheur County District Attorney. "Johnson lived in Ontario, [had] family up there, worked at one of our biggest employers... so many associates there and friends."
On Saturday night, Johnson responded to a call about a "violent" person damaging property and threatening some people at a house. Goldthorpe said when Johnson arrived, people at the house told him Castro had fled in his car.
Johnson chased Castro through the area before Castro eventually pulled over, Goldthorpe said.
"The officer, as he normally would, as any officer would have, was taking that as a traffic stop when the vehicle stops," he said. "So, he pulled over near where it stopped as well, and immediately based on witness statements, the suspect, Rene Castro, just began shooting."
Goldthorpe said Johnson was still in his car and had no time to either return fire or defend himself. By the time first responders arrived, Johnson was already dead.
Johnson's death shook the entire county, Goldthorpe said.
Goldthorpe sent an update shortly after 9 a.m. Monday saying Castro had been arrested at a home in Ontario. He did not have further information in that announcement. Law enforcement in Oregon and Idaho, including the FBI, had been working to find Castro and continue working to piece together a possible motive.
Castro has previous run-ins with the Nyssa Police Department, and Goldthorpe said Johnson knew who he was.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Malheur County Dispatch at 541-473-5125. The Fallen Badge Foundation is also accepting donations on behalf of Johnson's family.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Nyssa School District announced over the weekend that schools would remain open Monday, but parents can choose to keep their children home if they are concerned about safety.
Parents just need to call the school office and have their child excused, according to a press release. All high school students must stay on campus during lunch tomorrow, and all outside doors will stay locked during the school day.
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