On the morning of March 27, Jordan Pierce and Vicente Barela kicked in the victim’s back door while a masked Skyhawk Garcia waited in front of the residence located at 259 S. Quincy in Hines. While in the home, Pierce and Barela utilized firearms in an attempt to collect a drug debt. The victim was ordered at gunpoint outside to Pierce’s truck. Inside the truck, the victim used a pocket knife to extradite himself from Pierce and the grasp of Garcia.

Hines Police Chief Ryan DeLange was patrolling in the area when he interrupted the armed robbery. Delange observed Pierce outside the white Tacoma pointing a Ruger 9mm pistol at two individuals. Pierce and Garcia were taken into custody at gun point with the assistance of the Burns Police Department, Harney County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Police. Barela was observed fleeing the scene on foot. Barela subsequently turned himself in to the Harney County Sheriff’s Office.

A series of interviews revealed the motive of the attack was stolen heroin and a methamphetamine debt.

For the pendency of the case, Barela and Garcia were housed in Harney County Jail while Pierce posted security for release. During this time, Deputy Aaron Todd intercepted a secreted message in a deodorant container from Barela destined for Garcia on April 20. Deputy Dan Jenkins investigated and determined Barela was attempting to communicate a unified defense to co-defendant Garcia.

Harney County Deputy District Attorney Ryan Hughes prosecuted the cases. Barela pleaded guilty to burglary in the first degree and tampering with a witness and, per Oregon sentencing guidelines, was sentenced to 56 months and 19 months prison, respectively, followed by 36 months post-prison supervision. Garcia pleaded guilty to burglary in the first degree and was sentenced to 28 months prison, followed by 36 months post-prison supervision. Pierce pleaded guilty to robbery in the second degree with the firearm minimum and was sentenced to 60 months prison with 36 months post prison supervision.

Deputy District Attorney Ryan Hughes stated, “I am appreciative of law enforcement’s and members of the district attorney’s office work on this case. In particular, Detective Barrantes and Officer Cameron of the West Sacramento Police Department, Sheriff Dave Ward, and Lieutenant Brian Needham who went above and beyond to make our community safer.”