Man arrested following SWAT response in central Vancouver

A SWAT team used explosives and tear gas Monday night while arresting a man barricaded inside a hotel room in central Vancouver.

Juan A. Martinez, 35, is accused of pulling a knife on a hotel employee at the WoodSprings Suites. He appeared Wednesday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of first-degree attempted assault, first-degree burglary and third-degree malicious mischief.

Martinez’s bail was set at $75,000, and he is scheduled for a hearing today to enter an order for a competency evaluation.

Vancouver police responded at about 6:30 p.m. to the hotel at 200 N.E. 104th Ave. Hotel staff told police Martinez entered a supply and telecommunications room that he was not allowed to be in. He then unplugged and damaged numerous wires and cables, which disconnected the hotel’s phone, internet and TV systems, along with the HVAC system, according to a probable cause affidavit.

An employee confronted Martinez about the damage. She said Martinez then pulled out a 6- to 10-inch knife and told her to “get out of my way, there is a bomb,” the affidavit states. He then ran to his room and barricaded himself inside.

Crisis negotiators were unsuccessful at getting Martinez to surrender and called for SWAT, according to Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp.

A jail pre-booking sheet indicates Martinez has “known, stated or observed mental health problems.” It also indicates Martinez had ingested methamphetamine and was cleared at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center following the SWAT tactics.