A man armed with two knives was taken into custody early Friday after a standoff with Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies in north Modesto. The incident began around 4:30 a.m. on the 5800 block of Coffee Road, south of Patterson Road, when California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatchers received reports that a man was throwing objects at passing vehicles. At least one vehicle was reported damaged, prompting CHP to request assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.
When officers arrived, they found Jonas Madau, 49, of Portland, Oregon, hiding behind an outdoor planter on private property. According to Sgt. Nate Crain of the Sheriff’s Office, Madau was armed with two folding pocket knives and refused commands to surrender.
Deputies learned that an elderly woman was inside the home and afraid. Authorities devised a plan to remove her safely and confirmed no one else was present.
Crain stated that Madau appeared to be in crisis and “threatened suicide by cop from the outset.” During negotiations, deputies observed him on camera slicing his neck and throat area. “He was covered in blood,” Crain said.
The Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiations Team spent about two hours working with Madau before he surrendered without use of force. He disarmed himself and was taken into custody before being transported to a hospital for treatment of self-inflicted wounds.
Authorities are still investigating what brought Madau to Stanislaus County from Portland and whether more drivers were affected by the thrown objects. Deputies indicated there is no evidence Madau knew the woman inside the home; she continued to be interviewed Friday.
Madau is being booked on suspicion of trespassing, brandishing a weapon, and resisting or delaying an investigation.
