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Police arrest suspect in fatal shooting of a reserve officer in eastern Oregon

Police located Rene Castro at a residence in Ontario and arrested him. Castro is accused of fatally shooting Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Joseph Johnson.

NYSSA, Ore. — Police arrested a man on Monday accused of shooting and killing a reserve officer Saturday in Nyssa, Ore.

The incident happened around 8:20 p.m. Saturday and the suspect lead police on a chase, which ended at a residence on the corner of Locust Avenue and North Third Street

Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Joseph Johnson, 43, was responding to a concern regarding Rene Castro, 36, of Nyssa. Castro was cited as being a violent individual damaging property and threatening others, according to Oregon State Police (OSP).

While Johnson responded to the incident, he learned Castro took off in a vehicle which led to a pursuit. Castro's car stopped at a residence, where Johnson pulled off the road as well. After stopping, Castro shot at Johnson and killed him, OSP said.

"It's felt all over the county," Malheur County District Attorney David Goldthorpe said. "He (Johnson) lived in Ontario, family up there, worked at one of our biggest employers in the county at the prison. So many, many, many associates there and friends."

Castro left the scene before first responders arrived. Johnson was already deceased when medical first responders and deputies with the Malheur County Sheriff's Office (MSCO) arrived.

Credit: Nyssa Police Department
Joseph Johnson, center, receives the Outstanding Performance Award from the Nyssa Police Department, where he was a reserve officer. It was presented by Chief Don Ballou and City Manager Jim Maret. (Nyssa Police Department via Malheur Enterprise)

On Monday, investigators located Castro at a resident in Ontario, Ore. OSP's SWAT team, and members of the FBI, the Ontario Police Department, and MSCO surrounded the residence around 6:40 a.m. SWAT personnel took Castro into custody around 7:40 a.m. No one was injured during the arrest, OSP said.

Police have not said what criminal charges Castro is facing.

OSP is leading the investigation with the help of MCSO and every police agency from various departments in Idaho all the way to La Grande, including Federal authorities. 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement Sunday evening about the fatal shooting.

"This is an absolute tragedy. I extend my sincere condolences to Officer Johnson’s family, friends, and the public safety community who knew him well," Gov. Kotek said. “Officer Johnson’s service and dedication to his community and our state will not be forgotten.”

Gov. Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public intuitions to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 17 in honor of Johnson.

Credit: Malheur Enterprise
Mourners gather outside the Nyssa Police Department on Sunday, April 16, at a vigil to honor Joseph Johnson, reserve police officer killed while responding to a police call on Saturday, April 15. (Pat Caldwell/Malheur Enterprise)

Johnson was also an Oregon Department of Corrections employee at Snake River Correctional Institution. He leaves behind his wife and two children. The Fallen Badge Foundation will be accepting donations on behalf of his family. 

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