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Facebook post leads to arrests in hostage situation in Oregon

By Kaylee Tornay, Mail Tribune
Published: January 22, 2020, 9:06am

MEDFORD, Ore. — A White City man who used Facebook to report he was being held hostage early Tuesday morning is unhurt, and three people suspected of holding him against his will are in custody , a news release said.

A member of the Jackson County Scanner – Oregon Facebook group notified Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon that the 49-year-old was being held hostage in his home, located in the 2500 block of Carr Street in White City, and asking for help, according to sheriff’s department public information officer Mike Moran.

The man was not identified by the sheriff’s office. His Facebook post has since been removed.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the address and surrounded the house. The homeowner opened the door and yelled for help, the news release said. Deputies entered the home and detained four people, three of whom were arrested, Moran said.

Hector Orozco, 23, was lodged in the Jackson County Transition Center on a State Patrol Board warrant for a weapons offense. Martin Rodriguez Banuelos, 29, was lodged in the Jackson County Jail without bail on a parole violation for possession of dangerous drugs.

James Powers, 22, was lodged in the transition center on a detainer hold issued by his probation officer for methamphetamine possession, the sheriff’s office said.

An unidentified 59-year-old female was released.

With the investigation ongoing, Moran said details about the relationships between the people found in the house are not yet available. Additional charges may be filed against the detained men related to the hostage situation.

“No doubt there are many more questions than answers at this point, but those questions will hopefully be answered as the investigation continues,” Moran said.

An administrator for the Facebook group commended members for their response, but also encouraged people to text 911 when they are unable to make a phone call in a dangerous or criminal situation.

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