On Monday, February 19th around 11:30 a.m., a hiker in the Sweet Creek Falls area located a person down on the trail who was unresponsive. Fire personnel responded and determined the male was deceased. Investigating deputies identified the male as Adan Miranda-Gonzalez, 29, of Eugene. They were later able to notify next of kin. Due to the hazardous trail, Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue volunteers were called out to assist with transporting Miranda-Gonzalez back to the trailhead. The death does not appear suspicious at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
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DUII Traffic Stops Lead to Additional Charges (Photo) – 02/16/24
Several recent cases highlight the proactive work our deputies accomplish in between calls for service to keep our roads safe. This month deputies have already investigated 11 DUIIs total and assisted partner agencies with additional DUII arrests. Please designate a driver or use a rideshare if you choose to drink. If you see a driver you think is impaired, please call 9-1-1!
02/15/24 – LCSO Case #24-0806 – DUII Apprehended by K9 Bruno
On Thursday night, a deputy attempted a traffic stop in the 4500 block of Franklin Boulevard. The vehicle drove into an RV park and the driver fled on foot. Eugene Police and Springfield Police responded with deputies and set a perimeter. K9 Bruno was deployed, and less than 10 minutes later he located the suspect, Cody Wallace Hanstad of Springfield. Hanstad showed signs of impairment and was arrested without further incident. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (by foot), and Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor.
02/10/24-0693 – LCSO Case #24-0693 – DUII Stop Leads to Felon in Possession of Firearm Charge
A deputy initiated a traffic stop in downtown Eugene. The driver stopped near 2nd Avenue and Lincoln Street, and showed signs of impairment. After initially providing a false name, he was identified as Brandon Allen Hopkins of Eugene, who had a Coburg municipal warrant for his arrest and was a felon. The vehicle was impounded. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a firearm and methamphetamine. Hopkins complained of medical issues and was transported to the hospital. Prior to Hopkins being cleared by the hospital for lodging at the jail, a shooting victim and witnesses came into the hospital, requiring the deputy’s attention. Hopkins was cited in lieu of custody for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine – Misdemeanor, and Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor.
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02/11/24 – LCSO Case #24-0714 — Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Recovers Remains using High Angle Rope Techniques (Photo) – 02/16/24
On Sunday, two Benton County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue volunteers were hiking near Cummins Peak southeast of Yachats. The volunteers had previously been involved in search efforts in the area for Dustin Steyding. During their hike, they located human remains.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers and deputies responded to investigate and recover the remains, which were near the bottom of an extremely steep coastal drainage with thick vegetation. Operations took over ten hours and involved a steep angle rope system. SAR volunteers and deputies used the rope system to raise the remains and recovery team 800 feet up the drainage to safe ground.
The Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office retained jurisdiction. Additional information is being withheld pending positive identification of the remains.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office could not handle these types of calls and many others without the selfless service of our Search & Rescue volunteers. Nearly every week, they assist with rescues in all types of environments and weather. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue
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LCSO Adds Drug Detection Dog to Canine Unit (Photo) – 02/13/24
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the addition of a new Drug Detection Dog to our canine unit! Bear is a 2-year-old German Shepherd certified to detect dangerous drugs, including Fentanyl. Bear and his handler, Detective McQuillan, will be utilized in patrol investigations as well as proactive work with shipping companies and the Eugene Airport. They are partnering with local schools in the county to help maintain safe campuses. They will also assist the Lane County Jail to prevent drugs from entering the facility.
Bear started working less than a month ago and has already assisted with the seizure of a half-pound of cocaine, a half-pound of Fentanyl, and five and a half pounds of meth. Good boy Bear!
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is funded by community donations. All donations go directly to the K9 program to supply food, veterinary care, and equipment. Donations to keep their good work going can be made at https://client.pointandpay.net/web/lanecountysheriffdonations
Learn more about all our canines at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/about_us_-_now_and_then/police_services_division/k9_unit
UPDATE – 02/13/24
The deceased pedestrian was identified as Sara Faith Sanner, 35, of Eugene.
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Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a train vs. pedestrian crash just north of Junction City this morning shortly after 11:30am. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a train had been traveling southbound along Union Pacific rail lines when it struck an adult female that had been walking along the tracks.
Initial investigation revealed that the female had been facing away from the train as it approached. Train operators saw the female and attempted to warn her by horn, however she did not respond. Train operators were not able to stop the train in time and the female was struck. She was pronounced deceased on scene. Railroad employees remained on scene and are cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
On Monday, February 12th at about 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of menacing that occurred in the 37000 block of Parsons Creek Rd., Marcola. The suspect, Shane Leroy Doyle, 51, had arrived at the location and pointed a firearm at several victims during a dispute. He then left in a vehicle. While deputies were driving to the call, they spotted Doyle’s vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Doyle pulled over, started driving again, then stopped in the area of Marcola Road and Hayden Bridge Road. Doyle refused to comply with instructions to exit the vehicle.
Deputies were able to observe the interior of the vehicle from a distance with a an LCSO drone. Doyle was armed with a pistol, rifle, and shotgun in the vehicle. He often was holding the handgun or had it in the seat next to him.
Deputies with the LCSO Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) were able to contact the suspect by phone. They deescalated Doyle from his suicidal statements and threatening behavior. Finally, they convinced him to comply with instructions to surrender. After more than an hour of negotiation, Doyle was safely taken into custody. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and four counts of Menacing.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Springfield Police for their quick response to assist with bringing this call to a safe conclusion for all involved.
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02/10/2024 — LCSO Case #24-0699 — Assault Suspect Arrested after Shooting in Glenwood (Photo) – 02/10/24
02/10/2024 – LCSO Case #24-0699 – Assault Suspect Arrested after Shooting in Glenwood
On Saturday around 12 p.m., Deputies were at McKenzie Willamette Hospital on an unrelated case when a nurse advised there was a victim with a gunshot wound that was being transported to the ER. The victim had sustained life-threatening injuries from a high-powered air rifle. Several witnesses arrived with the victim and cooperated with the investigation.
The incident had occurred in a gravel area east of Henderson Avenue and E. 24th Avenue, Eugene. Deputies responded along with Oregon State Police, Springfield Police with a K9, and Eugene Police. They were able to locate the suspect and monitor his movements with a Sheriff’s Office drone. Deputies, troopers, and officers moved in and safely arrested the suspect without further incident. He was later identified as Robert Lyle Piper, 66, of Eugene. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Assault in the First Degree. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation is ongoing. The victim is in stable but critical condition. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, and Eugene Police Department for their quick response to assist our deputies.
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02/07/24 – LCSO Case #23-4685, 24-0629 — Man arrested for Assault, Bias Crime (Photo) – 02/09/24
02/07/24 – LCSO Case #23-4685, 24-0629 – Man arrested for Assault, Bias Crime
On February 7th, deputies responded to a report of harassment in the 4100 block of Franklin Boulevard. The victim reported he was threatened by a male who had previously assaulted him in September. A responding deputy quickly located the involved male, John Robert Barrett III. The deputy reviewed the prior report from last year, in which the suspect’s identity was unknown. The victim identified Barrett as the male that threatened him and also assaulted him last year. The victim had sustained significant injuries from the assault. The recent threats made were violent in nature and appeared to have been related to the victim’s race. Barrett was arrested for Assault in the Third Degree on the case from last year, and Bias Crime in the First Degree for Wednesday’s incident.
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02/03/24 – LCSO Case #24-0566 – LCSO K9 Bruno Assists Arrest (Photo) – 02/06/24
02/03/24 – LCSO Case #24-0566 – LCSO K9 Bruno Assists Arrest
On Saturday evening, deputies responded to a report of a kidnapping in the 80100 block of Highway 99 near Saginaw. A deputy located the involved vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. He recognized the suspect, Jason Searles, in the back seat. Deputies were aware of Searles from past calls for service, including an arrest that required the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.
Searles refused to comply with deputies’ instructions to exit the vehicle, and began moving around in the back seat as though looking for something. Concerned for the safety of the occupants of the vehicle and by Searles refusal to cooperate, Deputy Thomas deployed LCSO canine Bruno to the vehicle. Bruno was able to apprehend Searles and assist with removing him from the vehicle. Searles then complied with being detained before struggling again.
Deputies were unable to confirm a kidnapping occurred. However, Searles was arrested for Harassment, Failure to Report as a Sex Offender, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, and a Parole Violation.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is funded by community donations. All donations go directly to the K9 program to supply food, veterinary care, and equipment. Learn more at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/about_us_-_now_and_then/police_services_division/k9_unit
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02/01/24 — LCSO Case #24-0543 — Hit & Run at Fern Ridge Christian Church (Photo) – 02/02/24
*Update* – 02/02/24 – The driver of the involved vehicle came forward and was contacted by a Deputy. He received a criminal citation for Hit & Run – Property Damage and Reckless Driving. He received a violation citation for Driving Uninsured.
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02/01/24 – LCSO Case #24-0543 – Hit & Run at Fern Ridge Christian Church
On Thursday night around 7:10 p.m., a vehicle struck the Fern Ridge Christian Church, causing extensive damage. The suspect vehicle is described as an older white Ford SUV. It will likely have significant front-end damage. Residents in the area are asked to check any cameras that may have captured the incident or the vehicle driving through the area around the time it occurred. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
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01/31/24 – LCSO Case #24-0522, 24-0523 – Wanted Subject Located by LCSO K9s (Photo) – 02/02/24
01/31/24 – LCSO Case #24-0522, 24-0523 – Wanted Subject Located by LCSO K9s
Just before midnight, a Lane County Sheriff’s Sergeant on patrol in the Pleasant Hill area noticed a vehicle drive slowly through an intersection, then accelerate away when he turned to follow. The Sergeant quickly found the vehicle in a driveway near Enterprise Road and Hendricks Road. Knowing the residents, he confirmed the vehicle did not belong.
The vehicle was associated with Cecil Rae Needham, 49. Needham, known to be a felon on post-prison supervision, had a warrant out for his arrest for Theft 2 and a Deputy had probable cause for arrest on an unrelated Theft 2 case. Needham is well known to Deputies for his attempts to elude arrest and hide from law enforcement. They also had recent information that Needham was armed with a handgun. A female, Alexis McKenzie Roccaforte Porter, 22, was contacted in front of the house. Porter said she had just been dropped off to see a friend who lived in an RV trailer behind the house. Again, knowing the residents, the Sergeant knew this to be false. Porter was arrested on an unrelated Theft 2 warrant.
Two LCSO canines, Ripp with handler Deputy Gardner and Bruno with handler Deputy Thomas, quickly responded and began searching the property. They soon located Needham hiding in thick brush in a tree line. Despite warnings about the canines, Needham refused to comply with commands to surrender. Finally, Ripp was sent in. Once Ripp had a firm bite on one of Needham’s legs, he gave up and followed Deputies’ commands. During their investigation, Deputies located a loaded firearm and significant amount of suspected methamphetamine belonging to Needham. After being cleared by a hospital for the bite injury, Needham was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the Theft 2 warrant and new charges for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine – Felony, and Theft 2.
While our patrol deputies are out responding to calls all day every day, they also build relationships in the communities they live and work in. Conserving the peace, keeping our neighborhoods safe – and good job Ripp and Bruno!
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1/27/24 — LCSO Case #24-0423 — Shooting in N. Park Avenue Area (Photo) – 01/29/24
*UPDATE* – 1/29/24 – Both Shooters in Custody
Detectives from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office arrested the second shooter in this case without incident, identified as Ty Houston Pflieger, 18, of Eugene. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Attempted Assault 1 and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, both Felonies.
Not only was this shooting brazen, involving a stranger in broad daylight, nearly 20 rounds were fired in a dense neighborhood. The victim was nearly struck, and at least one round entered through a child’s bedroom window and struck an interior wall. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Eugene Police Department for their assistance, and especially the many residents who reached out with information to help us quickly solve this case.
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1/27/24 – LCSO Case #24-0423 – Shooting in N. Park Avenue Area
On Saturday morning around 7 AM, two young males opened fire with handguns at a passerby in a vehicle who asked them to move out of the roadway in the area of Nantucket Avenue and N. Park Avenue. The vehicle was struck multiple times, and the driver was nearly struck as well. The incident was captured on video by an area resident, which was later shared to Facebook and widely circulated.
Deputies identified a suspect and set up surveillance at a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Keller Street while applying for a search warrant. Once the search warrant was granted, the Lane County Sheriff’s Special Response Team served the warrant. Evidence was located that quickly led to the arrest of one suspect, and identification of the second suspect. The arrested suspect, a juvenile, was transported to the Lane County Youth Services detention facility on charges of Attempted Assault 1 and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, both felonies. Detectives are actively working to locate and arrest the second suspect.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1. Additionally, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office is requesting citizens who live in the area to review home security video during the time frame of 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, looking for two males matching the following descriptions: one white male wearing a dark hoodie, light pants, white shoes, and a light-colored backpack; and one white male wearing a dark hoodie, brown pants, and dark shoes.
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01/29/24 — Water Obstruction — McKenzie River one mile below Bruckart Landing (Photo) – 01/29/24
01/29/24 – Water Obstruction – McKenzie River one mile below Bruckart Landing
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is advising there is an obstruction on the McKenzie River about one mile downriver from Bruckart Landing. Several trees have drifted into the main channel of the river, making it unsafe to navigate. A small side channel to the south is also blocked with trees at its entrance. Please avoid this section of river until the hazard can be mitigated by our Marine Patrol Deputies. There are currently no safe routes past this section of the river other than portaging (exiting the river) when passing the hazard.
The blockage coordinates are 44.1675, -122.2805.
Visit www.oregon.gov/osmb for the latest information on water obstructions within Oregon.
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UPDATE – 01/27/24 – LCSO Case #24-0198 — Missing Person from Culp Creek (Photo) – 01/28/24
*UPDATE* – 01/27/24
Stone’s pickup was located Saturday approximately 12 miles up Layng Creek Road behind miles of downed timber. Evidence indicates his vehicle became stuck and he continued on foot.
Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR), Detectives, Patrol Deputies, and friends and family searched miles of roads in the area surrounding Stone’s residence since he went missing. Additionally, outside agencies assisted with checking Stone’s other properties throughout the state. As other areas were narrowed down, the focus became Layng Creek Road. SAR volunteers worked on sawing through downed trees on Friday until dark. Saturday, friends and family continued working saws up the road, ultimately locating Stone’s pickup and notifying the Sheriff’s Office. SAR conducted ground search operations, and plan to continue searching, including the use of SAR K9 teams, until he is found.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many volunteers, friends, and family that have assisted on this case.
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LCSO Case #24-0198 – Missing Person from Culp Creek
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 80-year-old Donald Ray Stone. Stone was last seen on January 11th, and was believed to be driving from Cottage Grove to his home on Row River Road.
Stone is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’06” tall and weighing about 135 pounds. He has white hair and brown eyes. Stone suffers from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Stone was last observed driving his maroon 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The vehicle has damage to the left rear bumper and quarter panel/fender. The bed of the pickup had a lumber rack, which may have been removed.
Anyone with information about Stone’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
*UPDATE* – 1/24/24
The deceased driver was identified as Kimberly Rene Bernier, 38, of Pleasant Hill.
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01/21/24 – LCSO Case #24-0313 – Fatal Car Crash
On the morning of January 21st, Deputies with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle crash into a muddy field along Edenvale Road near Highway 58, Pleasant Hill. Deputies located the driver deceased underneath the vehicle, a 2014 Nissan Altima. The driver is believed to have been the only occupant, and was likely not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, resulting in her ejection from the vehicle. The crash reportedly occurred sometime the night before, but was not discovered by area residents until morning. The driver’s identity is being withheld at this time.
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1/23/24 – Recent Increase of Wire Theft in Lane County (Photo) – 01/23/24
1/23/24 – Recent Increase of Wire Theft in Lane County
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has received increased reports of wire theft from utility companies in the area, as well as thefts of tools and equipment. As you can imagine, this hampers their efforts to restore our power and communication services throughout the county. It also raises the costs of these repairs, as they are forced to replace stolen materials and tools.
Please be vigilant for suspicious activity around repair sites. Legitimate workers will be wearing appropriate safety equipment, flagging if they are impeding the roadway, and driving vehicles marked with their contractor or power company numbers or logos. If you see suspicious activity, please immediately report to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
According to Oregon Revised Statute 164.055, any level of theft “committed during a…catastrophe or other emergency in an area affected by the…catastrophe or other emergency” becomes Theft in the First Degree, a Class C Felony. Due to high metal prices, wire theft can easily become Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. Additionally, anyone who accepts material “having good reason to know” that it was stolen, commits Theft by Receiving. This includes scrap metal businesses if they are out of compliance with ORS 165.118.
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