Grants Pass, Ore. – May 7, 2025
A dramatic standoff in Grants Pass came to a resolution on the morning of May 7, 2025, after a suspect barricaded himself in a residence following an alleged violent altercation. The situation, which prompted a significant response from the Grants Pass Police Department, ended with the arrest of Barney Clem, a 51-year-old male wanted in connection with a violent disturbance and subsequent flight from the scene.
The incident began at approximately 10:12 a.m. when the Grants Pass 9-1-1 center received an alarming call reporting a domestic disturbance at a residence located on NE 8th Street. The caller, a female victim, reported that Clem had threatened her with a knife, attempting to stab her before further escalating the situation by spraying her with “Bear Spray” as he fled the area. The victim managed to escape unharmed, but the terrifying ordeal left her shaken.
According to the victim, Clem fled the scene on foot, wearing a distinctive bright orange shirt. Officers quickly responded to the area, and it didn’t take long for them to spot Clem walking along NE B Street. When the officers instructed him to stop, he bolted and entered a nearby residence known for criminal activity.
With the situation evolving rapidly, officers attempted to make contact with Clem inside the residence, issuing repeated calls for him to exit, but received no response. In light of the growing concern for safety, authorities were granted permission to search the home. Inside, officers discovered another individual, Bryan Suthann, a 36-year-old male, hiding in a bedroom. Suthann, who was wanted for a parole violation, was also found in possession of methamphetamine. Despite this lead, Clem’s whereabouts remained unknown.
Officers could hear noises inside the residence indicating movement, suggesting that Clem was still hiding within the property. However, due to the confined space and potential danger posed by the suspect, a decision was made to deploy specialized law enforcement resources to resolve the situation. Grants Pass Police SWAT was called to the scene to handle the escalating standoff.
For the next three hours, SWAT officers meticulously combed the property, deploying multiple canisters of irritant gas into the attic and underneath the house in an effort to flush Clem out of his hiding place. The standoff continued as officers carefully maintained perimeter security and awaited any sign of the suspect.
After a tense and lengthy search, Clem finally emerged from the crawlspace under the house and surrendered to the SWAT officers. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Clem now faces multiple charges, including Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Use of Mace/Pepper Spray, and Escape in the third degree. The Josephine County District Attorney’s Office has also been asked to consider adding Attempted Assault charges, given the severity of the initial attack on the victim.
Meanwhile, Bryan Suthann, who had been hiding in the residence, was arrested and booked into the Josephine County Jail on charges related to his parole violation and possession of methamphetamine.
The successful conclusion of this standoff highlights the effective coordination between Grants Pass law enforcement and specialized SWAT teams. The quick thinking and dedication of the officers involved ensured the safety of the community and brought a violent situation to a close without further harm.
Both suspects remain in custody at the Josephine County Jail, where they will await further legal proceedings. The Grants Pass Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and is working closely with the District Attorney’s office to determine the appropriate charges.