Man Arrested After Domestic Violence Incident, Gunfire Near Sweet Home – KXL

A Sweet Home-area man was taken into custody late Tuesday night after allegedly assaulting his spouse and firing multiple rounds during a lengthy standoff with law enforcement, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called at about 9:20 p.m. to a reported domestic disturbance in the 29200 block of Berlin Road, east of Sweet Home. Sheriff Michelle Duncan said a woman contacted 911 to report that her husband, later identified as 41-year-old James Clair Miller, had assaulted her.

While deputies were en route, the caller told dispatchers she had four children under the age of 10 with her in a vehicle and that Miller had been seen exiting a shop while armed with a firearm. Dispatchers instructed the woman to leave the property with the children.

As they attempted to drive away, Miller allegedly shattered the vehicle’s window and fired shots in an unknown direction. The woman and children then fled on foot down a long driveway, where they encountered responding deputies. Additional gunshots were heard coming from the property as deputies secured the family.

Miller’s location was initially unknown. Authorities said he later began yelling and firing more rounds, prompting deputies to evacuate nearby homes and establish a perimeter. Multiple agencies responded, including Oregon State Police and the Sweet Home Police Department, with assistance from drones due to the rural terrain and limited visibility.

The Linn County Regional SWAT Team and Oregon State Police SWAT were deployed, along with armored vehicles, as Miller continued to move around the property armed with multiple firearms. Deputies reported he fired shots into the air and ignited fireworks, some of which were only visible through drone footage.

At one point, Miller attempted to flee into nearby woods on an ATV but crashed and returned to the residence area. When contacted by law enforcement, he was uncooperative, leading deputies and troopers to use non-lethal force, including sponge rounds and tasers, before taking him into custody. He was treated by medics and transported to the Linn County Jail.

A search warrant was later served on the property, where deputies seized 13 firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns, along with live ammunition and spent shell casings scattered throughout the area.

Miller was lodged on charges including reckless endangering, felony assault IV (domestic), menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, contempt of court for violating a restraining order, and first-degree criminal mischief. The investigation remains ongoing.

Sheriff Duncan praised the response, stating that law enforcement personnel exercised restraint and professionalism during the incident. Officials said the use of drones played a key role in monitoring Miller’s movements and resolving the situation without the use of lethal force.