Kidnapping Charge in MP, Feb. 1

Menacing/Kidnpapping charge, CCSO news release.  On January 31st, 2018 at 12:14 am, deputies were dispatched to the Coquille Valley Hospital regarding an assault. Deputies were told Ronald E. Schuler had assaulted his mother, Betty E. Harris. Deputies contacted Mrs. Harris, 79 years old of Myrtle Point, in the emergency room of the Coquille Valley Hospital where she was being treated for injuries sustained in this incident. During the course of the investigation deputies learned Ronald E. Schuler had become suicidal earlier in the night and had tied his mother up with his belt because she would not provide him a firearm so he could take his own life. Mrs. Harris sustained injuries on her wrists, bruises on her shoulders and scratches on her neck and back. In the confusion of the incident, Mrs. Harris was able to wriggle free and flee to safety at a neighbor’s home. Other members of Mrs. Harris’ immediate family provided a safety plan for her. Mr. Schuler is believed to suffer from mental illness and narcotics use. He was not located and probable cause was put out for his arrest. Mr. Schuler turned himself into the Coos County Jail on January 31st, 2018 at approximately 12:30 pm. Mr. Schuler is being held at the Coos County Jail on the above charges with a bail amount of $312,500.00. The investigation is continuing.