SPRINGFIELD – A 54-year-old man was arrested early following a lengthy standoff with police in connection with an assault and kidnapping incident at a residence in the 500 block of S. 72nd Street.
The incident began around 9:48 p.m. on April 4 when police responded to reports of an unknown man with a handgun assaulting a woman and a man inside a home. The victim, who contacted authorities after fleeing the scene, was subsequently transported by medics to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Upon arrival, officers encountered another victim, who reported that she had been assaulted by a man she only knew as “Goldie.” She indicated that the armed suspect had prevented her from leaving the house. The victim suffered significant injuries to her head and face and was also taken to McKenzie Willamette Hospital for treatment.
Police secured the area around the residence and attempted to get the suspect to exit. Officers observed movement inside and made numerous attempts to coax the man out, but he did not respond. Due to the escalating situation, the SPD SWAT team and crisis negotiators were summoned to the scene.
Through interviews and a criminal records check, police identified the suspect as Linson Lavell Johnson, who had an outstanding felony parole violation warrant and another warrant from Albany Municipal Court. Officers developed probable cause to arrest Johnson for multiple violent crimes related to the incident.
As negotiations continued for more than five hours, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. At approximately 4:10 a.m. on April 5, SPD’s drone team searched, but Johnson still refused to surrender. Due to the home’s layout and several closed doors, SWAT officers were called in to search for him physically.
At around 5:35 a.m., SWAT officers found Johnson hiding in a closet. He was taken into custody without further incident. During the investigation, a handgun was located in the residence.
Johnson was lodged at the Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including Assault in the Fourth Degree, Strangulation, Coercion, Menacing, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The investigation is ongoing.
