Deschutes County, Ore. – Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel filed charges that stemmed from the March 24th stand-off that resulted in the Obsidian Middle School being locked down. Steven Arce, a 29 year-old resident of Redmond, was charged with assault in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing constituting domestic violence.
On March 24th officers from the Redmond Police Department responded to the Obsidian Middle School for a report that a female near the entrance to the school called 911 and reported her boyfriend hit her in the head with a gun. When the police contacted the victim she was bleeding from her head, had a visible bruise on her shoulder, and other injuries. She was transported to St. Charles Hospital in Redmond for treatment by Redmond Fire Medics.
Arce was taken into custody by the Central Oregon SWAT team after he initially refused to come out of his residence. A search warrant was issued and during the search, a Glock handgun matching the description given by the victim was located in the residence.
“Domestic violence is a persistent problem in our community so we need to do more to help women feel and be safe,” said Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel. “To break the cycle of violence we need to continue and enhance our coordinated work in the areas of prevention, intervention and support.”
The case will be presented this week to a Deschutes County Grand Jury for their consideration. Arce is presumed innocent and has the opportunity to contest these allegations starting at his next court hearing on April 3.
