Benjamin Obadiah Foster: Oregon torture suspect, 36, dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound after standoff with cops
Warning: The article contains a recollection of the crime that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
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GRANTS PASS, OREGON: An hours-long standoff with police led to the death of a man who was accused of torturing and trying to kill a woman. Benjamin Obadiah Foster, 36, had been a fugitive before he was captured by Grants Pass Police on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in Oregon.
Foster died in a nearby hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Grants Pass Police spokeswoman Jeff Hattersley, who confirmed the news to KTVL, said. The man was found under a Grants Pass residence where a special weapons and tactics team (SWAT) approached him on Tuesday.
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'Foster spotted walking a dog'
The extensive operation came after police said that Foster was spotted walking a dog in the Grants Pass area on January, 31. The 36-year-old was accused of disguising himself while he was evading capture by shaving or coloring his beard and hair. The information came to light after the search for him began on January 24 when police discovered a woman who had been chained and brutally assaulted inside a home.
'One of the most heinous, terrible cases'
Foster allegedly hit the woman until she was unconscious while tying her up in her own home, according to the local authorities. A friend of the woman went to her residence after not hearing from her in hours and allegedly spotted Foster, who then escaped in his car before fleeing into the woods, according to authorities. Police also stated that the suspect used dating apps to lure victims and then tortured them. Hattersley stated, "I’ve been in law enforcement for 32 years, and this is one of the most heinous, terrible cases I’ve ever seen." She added, "Foster was actively using online dating applications to contact unsuspecting individuals who may be lured into assisting with the suspect’s escape or potentially as additional victims," reports The Sun.
'Camera confirmed his presence'
The house where cops had discovered the woman was searched by authorities who had descended upon the neighborhood with guns and at least one armored vehicle. The sheriff's department robot was deployed into the crawlspace after the police failed to locate anyone inside, and it discovered that Foster was there. Police Chief Warren Hensman revealed that a camera had confirmed his presence. Hensman claimed that Foster shot himself in the head when the police anticipated a gunfight. Officers had to remove floorboards to extract Foster, who was reported to be unconscious and still holding a.45-caliber revolver while jammed under the house, reports USA Today.
As the cops arrived in full force, Foster barricaded himself under the same house. He then shot himself, was taken into custody, and later died at a hospital, according to the police.