Just prior to 9:00pm last night, deputies responded with fire personnel to the report of a house fire in the 36000blk of Stacey-Gateway Rd. in Pleasant Hill. Much of the house had burned before the fire could be contained.
A single deceased person was located inside. Although not officially identified at this point, authorities believe that the deceased is likely the 86 year old male resident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional details will be released when available.
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10/11/2022 — Water Obstruction: McKenzie River 2.2 miles downstream from Paradise Campground (Photo) – 10/11/22
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is advising the public of a water obstruction on the McKenzie River approximately 2.2 miles downstream from Paradise Campground. This is near milepost 52 on the McKenzie Hwy.
Due to a tree down across the river, the channel is completely blocked and not safely navigable.
For the most current information on water obstructions and safety tips, please review the information provided by the Oregon State Marine Board at www.oregon.gov/osmb
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LCSO Case #22-5019 — Search warrant service leads to recovery of stolen property (Photo) – 10/06/22
On 09/08/22 the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a burglary report at a residence in the Veneta area. During the burglary, a suspect entered the residence when no one was home and stole numerous items of personal property. Deputies contracted by the City of Veneta to provide law enforcement services were assigned to investigate.
Deputies learned that a suspect used one of the victim’s stolen credit cards to make multiple purchases following the burglary. They identified the suspect and tracked her to a residence in the 1400blk of Bramblewood Ln. in Eugene.
Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant for the suspect’s residence which was executed yesterday afternoon at about 3:45pm. Deputies recovered several items from the burglary, including the victim’s identification, passport, checkbook, and some jewelry. Deputies located additional evidence from at least two other burglaries. The suspect was not at the residence and remains outstanding.
Deputies are continuing to investigate this case.
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LCSO Case #22-5558 — Lost Hunter Found in Woods by Search Crews (Photo) – 10/04/22
A 72 year old hunter was found by Sheriff Search and Rescue crews Monday afternoon after spending nearly two and a half days lost in the wilderness.
The 72 year old Eugene man left on foot to go hunting in the area south of Hill’s Creek Reservoir at about 8:00am on Saturday. He did not bring food, water, lighting or other survival supplies with him. He was expected to return to camp before dark, however he never arrived. Authorities were not notified that he was missing until about 10:00am on Sunday.
Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue Crews quickly mobilized and began searching the area. Given the expansive wilderness area and its close proximity to two other counties, numerous additional resources were summoned to assist in the search.
Search crews located the missing hunter on Monday afternoon shortly after 12:00pm. He was alive, but in immediate need of medical attention. A helicopter, dispatched by the Oregon Army National Guard responded and transported the man to a hospital in the Eugene/Springfield area.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you to be prepared whenever you will be recreating outdoors. ALWAYS take proper supplies including but not limited to: water, food, proper clothing, lighting, shelter, navigation equipment, and the ability to provide yourself with warmth. Formulate a travel plan highlighting locations and expected departure and arrival times. Be sure to share this plan with people that are familiar with the area.
We would like to thank the following agencies for their vital assistance in making this rescue mission a success: Oregon State Police, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, United States Coast Guard, and the Oregon Army National Guard.
On September 30, 2022 at approximately 23:11pm the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Parkway Road near Valley Road in Pleasant Hill. A white Chevrolet S10 was traveling northbound when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled.
The driver of the involved vehicle, a 41 year old male, did not survive the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Goshen-Pleasant Hill Fire.
*UPDATE* 09/29/22
36 year old David Roy Keefaver of Junction City has been identified as the victim in this case. While the exact series of events leading up to Keefaver’s death are still not entirely clear, investigators have not uncovered any evidence to indicate that his death was the result of a criminal act. Investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.
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This morning at approximately 4:32am, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a call of suspicious circumstances at a residence in the 30300blk of Lassen Ln. north of Eugene. An area resident called 911 to report that an adult male was throwing himself against the caller’s door. As deputies responded the caller advised that the male had laid down on the porch and lost consciousness.
Deputies arrived on scene to find the male to be injured and not breathing. The deputies attempted to perform life-saving measures including CPR. Medics additionally responded to assist but the male did not survive. His identity is being withheld at this time. He is believed to be a resident of another location on Lassen Ln.
Detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the male’s death. His death is being investigated as suspicious at this time.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
On September 24, 2022 at approximately 1:27pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received the report of a serious motor vehicle crash on Camp Creek Rd. near milepost 2. Milepost 2 is in the general area of the Easy Ln. intersection.
Deputies responded and learned that a black Toyota Tacoma driven by 26 year old Austin McKee of Springfield had been driving westbound on Camp Creek Rd. when it crossed over into the eastbound lane for an unknown reason and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Silverado pickup head-on. McKee was transported by paramedics to an area hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the Silverado, 70 year old Larry Sidwell of Springfield, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The reason that McKee crossed in the oncoming lane remains under investigation. Evidence of drug use was located at the scene.
McKee died at the hospital over the weekend as a result of his injuries.
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Deputies serve search warrant on large illegal marijuana manufacturing operation near Junction City (Photo) – 09/20/22
LCSO Case #22-4888 – Search Warrant Served on Illegal Marijuana Operation south of Junction City
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office recently received a tip regarding a large-scale illegal marijuana grow operation south of Junction City. Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies were granted a warrant to search the involved property in the 30000blk of Maple Ln.
Authorities executed the warrant on 09/15/22 and seized approximately 8,000 illegal marijuana plants, 4,822 pounds of dried marijuana, processed concentrated marijuana products known as ‘BHO’ or ‘Butane Honey Oil’, nearly $50,000 in cash and $32,000 in silver. Authorities also seized a luxury vehicle that was believed to have been purchased using funds from the illegal operation.
This illegal operation was located directly adjacent to the Willamette River. Included in the operation were numerous unpermitted structures, a swimming pool, and two separate unpermitted wells, all within the flood plain, which can have negative impacts on the environment when water levels rise.
A typical marijuana plant uses approximately 1.5 gallons of water per day. A marijuana grow of this size could be illegally consuming approximately 12,000 gallons of water each day or 1,080,000 gallons over a 90-day period.
The extent of the environmental impact from this illegal operation remains under investigation by Lane County Code Compliance officials and the Oregon State Watermaster’s Office, who were present during the execution of the search warrant.
50 year old Kevin John O’Donnell was issued citations in lieu of custody for Unlawful Manufacturing of Cannabinoid / Marijuana Items, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
This investigation was conducted by personnel funded through a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. In 2018 and again in 2022, the Oregon State Legislature made funds available to local law enforcement agencies for the specific purpose of investigating these large-scale illegal marijuana manufacturing operations, including the health and safety impacts on the community. These include unsafe, unregulated working conditions, water stolen from the community, trash dumped on public lands, and dangerous chemicals used improperly. Butane Hash Oil (BHO) labs use volatile chemicals that create a significant explosion and fire hazard to anyone in the vicinity. Dangerous wiring and overloaded electrical systems also pose a significant fire risk..
Without this funding, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office would not have the resources needed to investigate and stop these operations, including the resulting serious impact on our environment and communities.
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Cedar Creek Fire Evacuation Level Changes: 09/15/22 (Photo) – 09/15/22
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with the fire teams. At this time we are able to reduce the following areas to Level 1 (BE READY):
- High Prairie area, including all of High Prairie Road, Brock Road, Bar BL Ranch Road, Nubian Way, Mountain View Road, and Huckleberry Lane
- Westfir-Oakridge Road from Westfir city limits to Roberts Road
- McFarland Road
- Oakridge north of Laurel Butte Road
This means that all zones in and around the Cities of Westfir, Oakridge, and High Prairie have been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready). Many forest and road closures are still in effect.
Authorities would like to remind the public that fire crews are still operating heavily in the area. Please steer clear of fire traffic and other heavy equipment that may be in the area. Residents are asked to drive safely, and obey all road closures and traffic safety laws.
An updated map of the evacuation areas is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CedarCreek.
Residents should be reminded that although evacuation levels are able to be reduced again today, it is possible that conditions could change at a moment’s notice. Please stay informed of the latest information available.
Level 1 (Be Ready) means that you should be aware of danger in your area. Monitor emergency services websites and local news for information. This is the time for preparation and the precautionary movement of people with special needs, mobile property and pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact via an emergency notification system.
Please refer to www.tripcheck.com for the latest information on highway closures.
Officials are asking residents to keep cell phones and any other devices used to receive emergency alerts charged. Residents should also make sure that they have adequate fuel to evacuate should conditions change.
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Public safety personnel cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CedarCreek for information.
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22-5172 — Armed subject shoots arrows at people and property in mobile-home park (Photo) – 09/14/22
On 09/13/22 at approximately 11:28pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a disorderly person armed with a bow and arrows at a mobile home park in the 82000blk of Davisson Rd. south of Creswell. The caller further stated that the male had put on an army helmet at one point.
The Sheriff’s Office received additional calls from other residents stating that the male was on the roof of a residence, shooting arrows at people. One caller reported that the male yelled that he was going to shoot the property manager. The involved male was identified as 29 year old Jose Deleon.
Deputies arrived on scene and observed Deleon on the roof, now appearing to be unarmed. He refused to communicate with deputies. At one point, he jumped down onto the ground and ran from deputies. He ran for several hundred feet before jumping into a blackberry thicket and eventually giving up. Deleon was taken into custody at which time deputies discovered that he had also been wearing ballistic body armor during the incident.
Deputies located arrows scattered throughout the park consistent with having been recently shot from Deleon. At least one arrow was found stuck into the side of another residence.
Deleon was transported to the Lane County Jail where he was lodged on charges including: Menacing, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Assault in the 4th Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the 1st Degree, Attempted Escape in the 3rd Degree, and Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office continues to work closely with the fire teams. At this time we are able to reduce the following areas to Level 1 (Be Ready):
- The City of Westfir
- Oakridge between Laurel Butte and the Middle Fork Willamette River west of Fish Hatchery Road
Other areas that were reduced to Level 2 (Be Set) yesterday, remain at Level 2 (Be Set), including High Prairie, the Hills Creek Reservoir area and east Oakridge. Many forest and road closures are still in effect.
Fire crews are still operating heavily in the area. Residents are asked to be aware of increased fire related traffic, drive safely, and obey all road closures and traffic safety laws.
An updated map of the evacuation areas is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CedarCreek.
While every effort is being made to protect the communities of Oakridge, Westfir and High Prairie, it is possible that conditions may require moving back to a Level 2 (Be Set) or a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice in some or all of these areas and that can happen at any time.
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On 09/12/22 at 3:52pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received the report of a male assaulting a female at a residence on S. Ash St. near S. 2nd St. just south of Springfield. The 911 caller stated that his step-father was assaulting his mother at the residence.
Deputies arrived on scene and entered the residence. They evacuated 7 children, ages ranging from 1 – 11 years old, from within residence. A daycare business is operated at the residence.
Deputies quickly learned that the involved male had barricaded himself with an adult female hostage in the basement.
At 4:19pm, deputies heard the male state that he had a firearm and that he was going to kill her.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene. The Crisis Negotiation Team consists of trained crisis negotiators from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and Junction City Police Department. The Springfield Police Department SWAT team additionally responded, as did negotiators from the Oregon State Police.
Tactical teams positioned themselves to contain the scene and crisis negotiators were able to make contact with the suspect both by telephone and verbally. Negotiations continued for several hours.
At 9:31pm, deputies announced via the radio that shots had been fired and that the involved male was down. Deputies began administering first aid to the male and rushed the female out of the residence and into the hands of awaiting paramedics. Paramedics from Eugene/Springfield Fire had been staged a short distance away since early in the incident. Medics quickly transported the female to a nearby hospital. Preliminary reports are that the female had suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her abdomen.
Deputies attempted to administer life-saving measures to the involved male, however he did not survive and the male was pronounced deceased.
Two Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies advised that they had fired shots from their department issued firearms during the incident. No deputies were physically injured during the incident. The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol in deadly force incidents.
The Lane County Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team (IDFIT) responded and is investigating the incident. This team is comprised of investigators from numerous outside agencies including the Eugene Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police. The IDFIT investigation is overseen by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. As per IDFIT protocols, any additional information regarding this investigation will be released by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are expected to be on scene for the next several hours. There is no on-going threat to the public at this time.
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