An Oregon man was arrested on charges including attempted murder and sex abuse after authorities said a juvenile reported they were assaulted at a business where a hidden room was discovered.
The minor, whose age hasn’t been disclosed, fled to the Cornelius Police Department from the business the evening of August 27, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release on Tuesday, September 2.
Officers then found the suspect, Daniel Le Brun, 42, of Cornelius “barricaded inside his business” at the Plaza Grande complex, according to authorities.
He was armed with multiple “less-lethal-style” guns, as well as knives, and wouldn’t surrender, police said.
After authorities sought support from a tactical negotiations team and a crisis negotiations unit and used a drone to keep an eye on Le Brun, he was ultimately apprehended around 1:00 a.m. on August 28, police said.
Before Le Brun was booked in the Washington County Jail, he was taken to a hospital because he consumed a “potentially lethal amount of medication,” according to authorities.
“Further investigation into the crime scene led to the discovery of a concealed room inside the business complex where the crimes occurred,” police said.
In addition to attempted murder and sex abuse, Le Brun is also charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon, according to authorities.
The police are now searching for additional potential victims.
“Detectives are concerned that additional victims have not been identified and believe Le Brun had access to children through his memorabilia business,” police said.
An operations manager for the business where Le Brun allegedly barricaded himself told KPTV that Le Brun was formerly married to the store’s owner. The manager said Le Brun is homeless and had stored his personal belongings at the business, per the TV station.
The Cornelius Police Department said “detectives want to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault or has information about Le Brun and encourage parents to speak with their children about any contact they have had with him, whether at the store or otherwise.”
KPTV reports Le Brun is also charged with kidnapping.
Information regarding whether Le Brun had retained legal representation wasn’t immediately available.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
