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Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police Joint Operation: Oregon Country Fair Saturation patrols07/18/22

UPDATE

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office conducted overtime patrols in the Veneta area around the Oregon Country Fair beginning Wednesday, July 6th and continued through Monday, July 11th. With grant monies provided through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to staff 88 hours of overtime patrol and enforcement during the event. Deputies focused on DUII, seatbelt, speeding and prohibited cell phone use. Deputies also assisted Lane Fire Authority with numerous calls for service in the surrounding area.

Activity from Sheriff’s Deputies during the event are as follows:

CITATIONS (125):

25 Seatbelt

65 Speeding

8 Driving while suspended/ No license

23 Misc. moving violations (fail to obey stop sign, fail unsafe turn, illegal u-turn, etc)

4 Misc. equipment violations

1 DUII

191 Warnings

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE:

1 Warrant Arrest

3 Trespass Complaints

3 Traffic Hazard Complaints

2 Theft Reports

1 Reckless Driving

2 Missing Person Complaints

3 Illegal Camping Complaints

1 Deceased Subject Report

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police will be conducting high visibility traffic enforcement patrols in the Veneta area during the Oregon Country Fair, held on July 8th, 9th and 10th, 2022.  Deputies and Troopers will be focusing on DUII enforcement, as well as speeding, seat belt and cell phone use violations.  Patrols begin Thursday (July 7th) and will continue through Monday (July 11th) as attendees remain in the area at campgrounds. The funding for these patrols is provided to LCSO through two Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Safety grants administered by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, aimed at reducing the number of vehicle crashes and related injuries.  The grants are federally funded grant programs to provide overtime funding to participating Sheriff’s Offices for DUII and traffic enforcement. 

Annually, the Oregon Country Fair brings extremely high volumes of vehicle and pedestrian traffic to the area. Due to the resulting congestion in the area surrounding the Oregon Country Fair, speed limits have been reduced and posted as such. Restrictions are also posted for no parking and no U-turns along Hwy 126 and Suttle Rd. in the area. 

Drivers attending the event or traveling through the area should anticipate heavy traffic congestion. Flaggers will be present on Hwy 126 (near milepost 45) at the Fair’s main entrance during peak times to control traffic flows through the area.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind drivers to slow down, wear your seat belt and drive sober without distraction.

LCSO #22-3897 – Injury traffic crash07/15/22

This afternoon at approximately 5:48pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on Clearlake Rd. near Kirk Rd. northwest of Eugene.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a Mazda sedan was driving eastbound on Clearlake Rd. when it struck a pedestrian on the shoulder and overturned.  The pedestrian and a passenger of the Mazda were transported to an area hospital in critical condition.  Both of their conditions are now considered stable.

Speed and impairment do not appear to be a factor at this time.

Statements on scene indicate that a westbound vehicle had possibly drifted into the eastbound lane in front of the Mazda before it crashed.  Anyone who witnessed the crash that has not already spoken to investigators is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt.1.

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07/15/2022 — Water Obstruction: McKenzie River one mile downstream from Armitage Park (Photo)07/15/22

07/15/2022 – Water Obstruction:  McKenzie River one mile downstream from Armitage Park

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to advise the public of a water obstruction on the McKenzie River approximately one mile downstream from the Armitage Park boat launch. A large gravel bar has formed that obstructs nearly the entire river width.  There is currently NO navigable channel for power boats.  Those in drifting watercraft will likely have to exit their vessel and carry it over or around the gravel bar in order to pass.  Caution is advised if you choose to navigate this portion of the river.

For the most current information on water obstructions and safety tips, please follow the information provided by the Oregon State Marine Board at www.oregon.gov/osmb

LCSO Case #22-3834 Death Investigation07/14/22

*UPDATE* 
We can now confirm that the victim in this incident is 22 year old Spencer Webb.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the rock slides just a short distance west of Triangle Lake at approximately 2:30pm after receiving the report of an injured person.  Upon arrival, deputies learned that a 22 year old male recreating in the area fell and struck his head.  Bystanders and responding paramedics were unable to revive him. Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel responded to assist with bringing him back to the roadway as he was approximately 100 yards down a steep trail. 

There is no evidence of foul play and his death appears to be accidental.  The victim’s name is being withheld at this time pending next of kin notification.   

LCSO #22-3832 – Commercial burglary suspects arrested outside of Westfir07/13/22

Yesterday afternoon deputies received information that 29 year old David Joseph Essary was spotted at a campsite in the area of Forest Service Rd. #19 outside of Westfir.  The camp had been located by an Oregon State Police Trooper and the US Marshall’s Service were able to confirm Essary’s presence.  Essary is believed to have burgarlized a Eugene area tactical supply store in May, stealing over $30,000 in body armor and firearm parts. 

In the days following the burglary, investigators located the vehicle that was used in the commission of the burglary and impounded it.  Essary is believed to have intentionally set fire to it early one morning as the vehicle was stored in a tow yard.

Investigators learned that Essary had made statements that he would do anything to avoid being arrested.   

Yesterday shortly before 5:30pm, members from the LCSO Special Response Team, Springfield SWAT Team and investigators from the US Marshalls Service converged on Essary’s camp.  Essary briefly attempted to flee by jumping into a nearby river, however he was quickly detained.  Essary’s girlfriend, 22 year old Brenda Ann Crow, was also taken into custody. 

Located in Essary’s campsite was a loaded handgun and stolen cargo trailer.  The cargo trailer had been stolen from a Springfield area construction contractor.  Investigators are currently working to return the trailer and remaining personal property to its rightful owners. 

Essary was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including: Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Body Armor, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Crow was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including: Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Burglary Tools.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our gratitude to the Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, and US Marshall’s Service for their assistance in this case.

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LCSO CASE #22-3712 — Homicide — (Photo)07/11/22

UPDATE 07/11/22

71 year old Gary Stuart Coulter has been identified as the victim in this case.  

On Friday, July 8th, shortly after 10:00pm, deputies received a call from a neighbor that they had witnessed a dispute involving two males at a residence in the 44000blk of McKenzie Hwy.  Deputies responded and found Coulter on the ground outside with severe injuries.  He was transported by paramedics but died a short time later.

37 year old Nickolas Trevor Jessee was identified as a suspect in the assault.  Jessee had been staying at the victim’s house on McKenzie Hwy. recently.

Jessee fled the scene in a vehicle but returned a short time later before leaving again on foot.  On Saturday at about 10:30am a deputy located him a short distance off of the highway approximately a quarter of a mile to the west of the residence.  Jessee was taken into custody without incident and ultimately lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Murder in the 2nd Degree.

Investigators are at a residence in the 44000blk of McKenzie Hwy. near Leaburg.  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly after 10:00pm Friday night that a male had been assaulted.  The victim, a male resident in his 70’s, died following the assault.  His identity along with specific details about the assault are being withheld at this time. 

Investigators have identified 37 year old Nickolas Trevor Jessee as a person of interest.  Jessee fled the scene prior to investigators arriving, however it is believed that he may still be in the area.  Jessee is described as a white male adult standing approximately 5’09” and weighing approximately 170lbs. 

Law Enforcement resources are continuing to search the area for him.  We ask that the public refrain from picking up hitchhikers and immediately report any suspicious activity in the area.  If Jessee is spotted, please dial 911.  It is not known if Jessee is armed at this time. 

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22-3521 — Search Warrant Service (Photo) *UPDATE*07/06/22


UPDATE 07/06/22

Related to the search warrant served on Thursday in the 3600blk of Ambleside Dr., a second warrant was served at a storage unit on Pierce Parkway belonging to Andrew Rogers on Friday.  Numerous additional firearms and firearm parts were seized during the execution of the warrant.  Rogers, a convicted felon, is believed to have been running a large-scale firearm and firearm-suppressor manufacturing operation.

Rogers was taken into custody on Thursday following the execution of the search warrant at his residence.  He was released pre-trial on his own recognizance by the state court system shortly thereafter in accordance with recently enacted Senate Bill 48. 

Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies received information of the illegal manufacture of numerous firearms and firearm parts at a residence in the 3600blk of Ambleside Dr. in Springfield.  Upon service of the warrant, deputies seized over 60 fully assembled firearms, dozens of homemade firearm suppressors, and enough various parts to assemble as many as a hundred more firearms.  Only five of the firearms seized had serial numbers and two of those firearms were reported as stolen.  Firearms that are assembled without serial numbered components are often referred to as “ghost guns”.  Several different illicit drugs were located at the residence including cocaine, methamphetamine, and pills suspected to be fentanyl.  The quantities of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine are considered “commercial amounts”, not just personal consumption quantities.  Additionally found at the location was equipment used to create the firearm parts including milling machines, 3D-printers and a large laser engraving machine. 

38 year old Andrew William Rogers was taken into custody. Rogers is a convicted felon.  He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Criminal trespass 2, Criminal Mischief 2, and Theft II.  The case remains under consideration by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

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LCSO Case #22-3480 — Stolen truck and trailer containing animal health supplies (Photo)06/29/22

*Correction

The truck and trailer were taken from the 91000blk of N. Coburg Rd.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying leads related to the theft of a full-sized truck and trailer. 

Sometime over the night of 06/27/22 into the morning of 06/28/22, a gray Ford F-350 dually pickup and attached white 20ft. Pace America enclosed cargo trailer was stolen from a location in the 91000blk of Old Coburg Rd. The trailer contained a large volume of various animal health products when it was taken.  The involved truck is possibly displaying OR Plate #F171407 or OR Plate #637KXH.  The trailer may be displaying OR Plate #HV46632.

Anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of the truck and trailer are asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.  Reference LCSO Case #22-3480 when calling.

School bus crash06/24/22

This morning at 08:43 hours, Lane County 911 dispatch received a report of a school bus crash on Marcola Road near milepost 4.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Mohawk Fire and Rescue, and Eugene Springfield Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, two occupants were located: an adult male driver and a single juvenile passenger. The adult male was transported to the hospital in serious condition. The juvenile was treated and released at the scene.

The investigation continues, but initial indications point to the driver suffering a medical emergency, immediately preceding the crash.  

Emergency responders had Marcola Road closed for a little more than an hour, to accommodate emergency vehicles and personnel.  At this time the roadway has been completely reopened and normal traffic has resumed.

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22-3329 – Assault with metal knuckles (Photo)06/21/22

Yesterday just prior to 10:00am, deputies responded to an apartment complex in the 400 block of S. 2nd St. in Creswell regarding an assault that had just occurred.  Upon arrival, deputies learned that 25 year old Dakota Ray Stone of Springfield, entered the location and assaulted two people including his ex-girlfriend from over five years ago. 

Stone arrived unannounced at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment and punched a male at the location with metal knuckles, causing various facial injuries.  The male victim and Stone are not known to each other.  Stone then punched the female victim in the face, causing facial injuries to include a possible broken nose.  This attack was completely unprovoked and it has been approximately five years that Stone and the female have even seen each other.  Stone fled the location prior to deputies arriving. 

Deputies were able to track him to a residence in the 3300blk of E. Game Farm Rd. in Springfield where he was taken into custody without incident.  The involved metal knuckles were located and seized as evidence. 

Stone was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Assault in the 2nd Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. 

LCSO Case #22-3225 — Fatal Traffic Crash06/21/22

*UPDATE* 06/21/22

The person killed in last week’s crash on Jasper-Lowell Rd. has been identified as 91 year old Thomas William Tonkin of Westfir. 

Tonkin was the passenger of a white 1999 Cadillac Deville driven by 67 year old Mindey Koch, also of Westfir.  They had been driving eastbound on Jasper Lowell Rd. when, for an unknown reason, they crossed into the westbound lane and crashed head-on with a gray 2020 Toyota Prius driven by 56 year old Valerie Shepler of Lowell. 

Koch and Shepler were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Tonkin died on scene. 

Deputies are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred in the 37000blk of Jasper Lowell Rd. shortly after 6:30pm this evening. 

Initial investigation reveals that a white Cadillac was driving eastbound on Jasper Lowell Rd. when it crossed into the oncoming lane for an unknown reason.  The Cadillac then struck a westbound Toyota Prius head-on. 

The drivers of the Cadillac and Prius were transported to an area hospital with what is believed to be minor injuries.  A passenger in the Cadillac died on scene. 

The names of the involved are being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification. 

Original Article: Source