Montana Robbery Suspect Kills Self, Other Suspect Seriously Injured During Standoff in Lincoln City, Oregon

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of our citizens during this tense and potentially volatile event as it unfolded in our community." - Lincoln City Police Chief Keith Killian

(LINCOLN CITY, OR) - On January 3rd, 2014, Lincoln City Police Department was contacted by the Seattle Division of the FBI regarding information that two fugitives involved in a December 30, 2013, armed robbery in Butte, Montana, may be present in Lincoln City. Information received indicated that among the items stolen were several firearms and that the subjects, an adult male and adult female, may be in a stolen black colored Nissan Altima passenger car.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., a vehicle matching the Nissan's description was located at a vacation condominium near NW 31st and Inlet in Lincoln City. Detectives from the Lincoln Interagency Narcotics Team maintained surveillance of the vehicle and dwelling. Lincoln City Police requested the assistance of additional law enforcement resources including Oregon State Police SWAT.

At about 3:50 p.m., the two fugitives left the condominium in the vehicle followed by law enforcement officers until it left Highway 101 and entered a parking lot. A high risk stop was initiated during which the male fugitive ran from the vehicle east on NE 22nd Street while holding a firearm. Upon being challenged by law enforcement to stop and drop his firearm, the male fugitive pointed it at officers present. An Oregon State Police trooper intervened and struck the male fugitive with his marked patrol vehicle. This subject was transported to North Lincoln Hospital via ambulance, and was later transported by air ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, with serious injuries.

The female fugitive remained inside the vehicle, armed with a handgun and was threatening to harm herself and others. During the standoff, Oregon State Police SWAT members arrived and relieved the law enforcement officers from their positions and continued to tactically deal with the female fugitive.

During the standoff, the area was secured by law enforcement personnel and a local community center and some businesses were locked down. After about a total of four hours of negotiations with law enforcement, at approximately 8:50 p.m., she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The male fugitive has been identified as Dale Edward Wallace, age 30. The deceased female has been identified as Sara Jo Johnson, age 30. Both are believed to be from the Butte, Montana area and next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is being conducted by the Lincoln County Major Crimes Team. This team is composed of members of Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.

Lincoln City Police Chief Keith Killian expressed his gratitude to the local community and assistance from law enforcement partners.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of our citizens during this tense and potentially volatile event as it unfolded in our community," said Chief Killian.

No additional information expected to be released until Monday, January 6th.

News release Lincoln City Police Department