Baker City Man Accused of Threatening Teen with Knife
Taryn Niehaus, 19, faces four charges including second-degree robbery after allegedly pulling a knife on a 15-year-old boy near Baker City's Geiser-Pollman Park.
A 19-year-old Baker City man spent Wednesday morning in the Baker County Jail on four charges, including second-degree robbery, after police accused him of threatening a 15-year-old boy with a knife during an altercation 18 days before his arrest.
Taryn Matthew Niehaus was taken into custody about 10 a.m. on April 7 on Madison Street, steps from Geiser-Pollman Park, the downtown riverfront green space bordered by the Powder River where Baker City families gather for events throughout the year. The alleged threat against the 15-year-old occurred late on March 20.
The Baker County Jail roster lists Niehaus on four charges: second-degree robbery, menacing, harassment, and unlawful use of a weapon. District Attorney Greg Baxter said Wednesday morning he will review police reports and other evidence before determining what formal charges to file in Baker County Circuit Court.
The 18 days between the alleged March 20 incident and Niehaus's April 7 arrest is not uncommon in cases involving juvenile victims, where investigators typically compile witness accounts and build the evidentiary record before forwarding the case to the district attorney for charging review. As of Wednesday morning, Niehaus remained in the Baker County Jail; no bail amount had been publicly confirmed.
WHAT PARENTS AND NEIGHBORS SHOULD DO
If a child reports a knife threat, write down the account in as much detail as possible immediately, then contact Baker City Police. Notifying the child's school is equally critical: administrators can activate safety protocols and coordinate directly with law enforcement under Oregon juvenile-safety statutes. The Baker County District Attorney's office can pursue a protective order if the suspect poses a continued risk.
To report a non-emergency concern or share information about this case, contact Baker County Dispatch at (541) 523-6415. The Baker City Police Department non-emergency line is (541) 524-2014; the department is at 1768 Auburn Ave. For emergencies, call 911.
The Baker County Jail roster and Baker County Circuit Court dockets are public records updated regularly and accessible online. Once District Attorney Baxter files formal charges, the court will set an initial appearance date for Niehaus.
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