Joel Evan Brousseau dies in fatal Eastern Oregon standoff
Fatal Eastern Oregon standoff death of Joel Evan Brousseau – Obituary
Authorities have identified the man who tragically took his own life following a standoff with law enforcement in Malheur County, Oregon. Joel Evan Brousseau, 58, died after an hours-long confrontation with police on January 22, 2025.
The incident began when Brousseau reportedly fired shots at vehicles and nearby homes near Owyhee Junction, prompting a large-scale response from officers.
Around 2:15 p.m., police received reports of gunfire from a residence where Brousseau was located. In response, they evacuated surrounding areas, including homes and businesses, and shut down Highway 201 to ensure public safety. Despite the efforts to defuse the situation, Brousseau continued firing hundreds of rounds with a high-powered rifle.
Law enforcement officials, including Oregon State Police and a S.W.A.T. team, worked for several hours to de-escalate the tense situation. They used specialized equipment, including a robot and armored vehicles, to attempt to make contact with Brousseau.
After more than seven hours of negotiation, officers entered the house at approximately 11:30 p.m., where they found Brousseau deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neighbors who had been evacuated were allowed to return to their homes early the following morning. The incident remains under investigation by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office.
