LCSO Case #24-4176 – Deputies arrest suspect after assault in Glenwood

On August 4th at about 4 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported assault in the 1700 block of Concord Avenue in the Glenwood area of Eugene. They discovered a victim had been punched in the head several times with brass knuckles.

Deputies located the suspect, Donovan Ben Patrick Allen, 43, at a property in the 28700 block of Fox Hollow Road. Allen initially refused to cooperate with deputies, who applied for and were granted a search warrant. Allen was then arrested without further incident. Allen was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Assault in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing.

Early in the morning of August 3rd, a male entered a business in the 300 block of E. Oregon Avenue, Creswell, and stole a case a beer. The male then got into a vehicle with another male, and both attempted to flee. An employee of the business attempted to confront them and was injured by the vehicle.

Deputies identified the driver as Yancin Santiago Rodriguez, 28, of Creswell. Deputies located and arrested him on August 4th. Rodriguez was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Robbery in the 1st Degree, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Driving.

The accomplice was identified as Angel James Moreno, 29, of Springfield. Moreno was arrested on warrants and lodged at the Lane County Jail by another agency on August 7th, and a deputy also lodged Moreno on charges of Robbery in the 3rd Degree and Reckless Endangering.

Deputies attempting to locate suspect in multiple vehicle break-ins (Photo) – 08/16/24

On July 21st, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received numerous reports of vehicles being broken into in the McKenzie Bridge area. A local business owner first observed the suspect vehicle driving through the area early in the morning. When he learned of the break-ins, he contacted one of the McKenzie River District Deputies.

Deputies determined the owner of the vehicle was Codey Lee Lewis. Coburg Police located the vehicle later that night being driven by Lewis. Lewis was lodged at the Lane County Jail on unrelated warrants. The vehicle was impounded.

On July 22nd, deputies executed a search warrant on the truck and a large amount of the stolen property was located. Further investigation led to the recovery of more stolen property from an address in McKenzie Bridge.

Deputies identified the second suspect as Justin Wayne Arbogast, 40, of Coburg. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4141 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

Disston area Level 1 Canceled

**Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice CANCELED for Disston area — August 16 @ 12 p.m. ** (Photo) – 08/16/24

Residents within the area east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south are no longer under any level of evacuation. A map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire

Everyone should continue to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing hot and dry conditions.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org

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Lane County Sheriff’s Office recruiting cadets to gain law enforcement experience (Photo) – 08/15/24

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program trains young men and women between the ages of 18 and 21 for a career in law enforcement. Our Cadet Program provides an opportunity to get first-hand experience and develop skills and knowledge necessary for full-time employment. Although being a Cadet is not a pre-requisite to becoming a Deputy Sheriff, it is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience for a successful career.

LCSO has a limited number of spots available, however applicants who aren’t selected are encouraged to apply the next time we recruit.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements:
 – Must be a US Citizen
 – Must be between 18 and 21 years of age
 – Must possess a high-school diploma or be enrolled in a high school or GED program.

Cadets will:
 – Receive training in law enforcement tactics, legal issues, use of force, corrections, and patrol operations
 – Learn the differences between a Sheriff’s Office and municipal, state, or federal police counterparts
 – Attend community events to assist deputies
 – Participate in law enforcement ride-alongs
 – Be prepared for a future career with the Sheriff’s Office
 – Be mentored regarding the culture of service expected from Sheriff’s Office members
 – Receive opportunities to work with many of the special teams and assignments offered by the Sheriff’s Office (Dunes Patrol, Marine Patrol, Special Response Team, Forest Patrol, etc.)

To apply, visit www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/CadetApplication

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LCSO Case #24-4316 – Detectives interrupt vehicle break-in…of their own police car (Photo) – 08/15/24

In the morning of August 13th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives working in the River Road area were away from their undercover police vehicle. Another detective, sitting in his car next to the unoccupied vehicle, noticed two people who appeared to be casing cars in the parking lot. 

One of the subjects, identified as Melissa Marie Jones, 42, produced a key and attempted to open a door of the unoccupied police vehicle while the second subject, Trinidad Robert Perez, Jr., 61, appeared to be acting as a lookout. 

Jones and Perez were detained and identified. After further investigation, both were arrested for Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. Jones was also arrested on a Fugitive from Justice charge for an out-of-state warrant, and Perez was also charged for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail. 

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Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue completes busy week of training, response, and rescue (Photo) – 08/13/24

With the County Fair and several rescues in the rear-view mirror of July, the Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue team continued to serve our community at full speed. The community events, trainings, and missions not only highlight their dedication to serving our residents, but also the depth the team has built. 

On Saturday, August 3rd, SAR personnel provided medical and communications support for the Waldo 100 Ultramarathon. This event provides volunteers with excellent experience and real-world application of their training. Often, their skills are needed for rescues or to locate lost runners. 

In the afternoon, a call came in of an injured 72-year-old hiker on the Mt. Fuji Trail. SAR volunteers who were already stationed at Waldo for the race responded and were able to make contact with the patient and provide medical care. Youth SAR also responded from Waldo, and the patient was carried to the trailhead where a friend was able to drive her to further care.

On Saturday, August 10th, Eugene Mountain Rescue (EMR), a group within Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue that tackles high angle problems, held a training at Sahalie Falls along with Linn County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue. Volunteers constructed a highline rope system, a technique used to traverse between two cliffs. The area is ideal for this type of training, and not terrible for photos, either. EMR recently conducted a high angle rescue of a hiker at the same location, making the training very applicable. 

In the afternoon, a call came in of a missing 63-year-old female ATV rider in the Cummins Ridge area near Florence. Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded along with area fire departments. The ATV rider was located approximately 200 feet below the road. Sheriff’s Search & Rescue personnel assisted the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team (TRT), Western Lane Fire and Yachats Fire & Rescue with a rope rescue, which took about a 3 hours to complete. Due to the remote location, the patient was transported to Corvallis by Life Flight helicopter for treatment of her injuries. She had been operating a side-by-side and wearing a helmet, which likely saved her life. 

Nearly every week, Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program and other volunteer opportunities at www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers

Upper McKenzie River Blockage

8/10/24 – Water Obstruction – Upper McKenzie River just above Belknap Hot Springs Resort (Photo) – 08/10/24

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is advising there is an obstruction on the upper McKenzie River just above Belknap Hot Springs Resort. A tree fell from river left, almost completely blocking the river. It is passable on river right with care, and should be visible from upstream. Please avoid this section of river or navigate with extreme caution.

The blockage coordinates are 44.19135, -122.04912

Visit www.oregon.gov/osmb for the latest information on water obstructions within Oregon.

Arrest

8/7/24 – LCSO Case #24-4224 – Driver arrested for DUI after attempting to elude deputy (Photo) – 08/07/24

On August 7th around noon, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received three reports of a vehicle driving recklessly, swerving into oncoming traffic, and nearly driving off the road in the Jasper area. A deputy located the vehicle eastbound on Highway 58 and attempted a traffic stop. The driver attempted to elude the deputy for several miles, but eventually stopped in the middle of Highway 58 in the Dexter area. 

The driver, Angel Sanchez-Vasquez, 39, of Eugene, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A passenger was also in the vehicle. Sanchez-Vasquez was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Attempt to Elude by Vehicle. 

Florence Arrest

8/6/24 – LCSO Case #24-4217 – Sheriff’s Office arrests barricaded arson suspect near Florence (Photo) – 08/07/24

8/6/24 – LCSO Case #24-4217 – Sheriff’s Office arrests barricaded arson suspect near Florence

On the evening of August 6th, Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded with Oregon State Police to a Dispute in the 5000 block of S. Jetty Rd., Florence. Once on scene, they learned Lindsey Abigail Williston, 39, had intentionally lit a vehicle on fire with a child inside.

The child had been safely removed from the vehicle, but Williston went inside the residence with another child. LCSO, OSP and Florence Police were able to rescue the second child through a window.

Deputies attempted to de-escalate and negotiate with Williston, however she refused to comply. As deputies attempted to take her into custody, she responded by spraying a fire extinguisher at deputies and attempting to fight. Deputies were able to subdue and arrest Williston with the use of less lethal tools.

She was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1st Degree, Reckless Burning, Reckless Endangering, Menacing, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and six counts of Harassment.

The Level 1 –BE READY – evacuation notice for the Hampton Road Fire has been canceled. 

Residents within the area between Interstate 5 and Hideaway Hills Road, and between Hampton Road and Ricketts Road are no longer under any level of evacuation. A map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HamptonFire.

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to share its appreciation for the quick work of Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue and other partners to gain control of the fire and keep our community safe. 

Everyone should continue to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing hot and dry conditions. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

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Level 1 Evacuation Level

Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice updated for area south of Goshen due to wildfire (Photo) – 08/05/24

The following area near Goshen is now at a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• Areas between I-5 and Hideaway Hills Rd. and between Hampton Rd. and Ricketts Rd.

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information.  

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HamptonFire for information.

An evacuation map is available at     

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

LCSO National Night Out

Lane County Sheriff’s Office National Night Out to be hosted by Creswell and Veneta on August 6th (Photo) – 08/05/24

The Lane County Sheriff is excited to announce two National Night Out events on Tuesday, August 6^th. The City of Creswell will host their event at Holt Park from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The City of Veneta is holding their event at Veneta City Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office will have a variety of emergency vehicles on display, as well as patrol K9 demonstrations, Posse horses, and Deputy Dunk Tanks! There will be good food, fun activities for kids, and exhibits from several community partners including local fire departments. 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to promote partnerships between our deputies and local communities to make our homes safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement with a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring deputies and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

The following area near Goshen is at a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:

• Areas between I-5 and Hideaway Hills and between Hampton and Ricketts

Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.

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 for information. 

An evacuation map is available at    

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

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The following area near Goshen is at a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:

• Areas between I-5 and Hideaway Hills and between Dillard and Hampton

Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.

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 for information. 

An evacuation map is available at   

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

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Several weeks ago, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by OLCC cannabis inspectors regarding a licensed grow site along Meadowview Road near Junction City. LCSO learned that while the premises was licensed, it was found to be operating far outside the boundaries of the requirements put in place by OLCC. During a site visit last week, the OLCC found thousands of cannabis plants that were not entered into the Cannabis Tracking System (CTS). The tracking of plants is a requirement set by Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). The Cannabis Tracking System tracks legal marijuana from seed to sale, and untracked marijuana cannot be legally sold in OLCC licensed dispensaries.

It was also determined that the premises had done a recent harvest, and none of the harvested cannabis was tracked in CTS, or located on site at time of the inspection. OLCC indicated they encountered several individuals working at the premises who were not licensed through OLCC or authorized to be at the location.

LCSO served a search warrant at the location on Wednesday and located 5,610 growing marijuana plants as well as processed marijuana. OLCC staff assisted at the location during the service of the warrant.

The owner, Jospeh Heintz, 54, of Florida, was cited and released by LCSO for Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana. The investigation is on going.

LCSO would like to thank OLCC for their cooperation and would like to remind those in the legal industry to be mindful of the licensing requirements and to report others who are not.

This operation was funded out of the State of Oregon CJC grant to combat the illegal marijuana market.

Wheeled Stretcher and Volunteers

7/28/24 – Lane County Sheriff’s Youth Search & Rescue conducts mission to rescue hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail (Photo) – 07/31/24

On Sunday, July 28^th, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, including recently graduated members of the Youth SAR program, responded to a remote area east of Waldo Lake on the Pacific Crest Trail for a hiker suffering from a medical issue. SAR members located the hiker, a 65-year-old woman on her 12^th day of the Oregon section of the trail. After providing initial medical care, SAR members carried her two and a half miles utilizing a stretcher equipped with a support wheel. She was then transported by ambulance to an area hospital.

In total, 16 volunteers responded. Thanks to our incredible volunteers who assisted with this mission – while volunteers also staffed the medical booth at the Lane County Fair. 

Nearly every week, Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program and other volunteer opportunities at www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers

The following area southeast of Cottage Grove is now on a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:

• Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak

Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.

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/Lane1Firefor information. 

There are also ongoing Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification related to the Lane 1 Fire:

• Areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.     

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads:

• Brice Creek Road east of the Umpqua National Forest Boundary
• Champion Creek Road
• Sharps Creek Road past the waste transfer site

Federal land managers in the area have issued closure orders due to the fire. People camping in the Brice Creek, Sharps Creek, Champion Creek, Bohemia, and Fairview Peak areas should leave now. Please check the Umpqua National Forest webpage for more information. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

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The following area southeast of Cottage Grove is now on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak

The other Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification related to the Lane 1 Fire also remains in effect:

• Areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.     

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information. 

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads:

• Brice Creek Road east of the Umpqua National Forest Boundary
• Champion Creek Road
• Sharps Creek Road past the waste transfer site

Federal land managers in the area have issued closure orders due to the fire. People camping in the Brice Creek, Sharps Creek, Champion Creek, Bohemia, and Fairview Peak areas should leave now. Please check the Umpqua National Forest webpage for more information. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

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The Lane County Fair is July 24 through to 28. To make the venue safer and a welcoming space for families, this year the Eugene Police Department and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office have partnered on strong security measures. Some changes to this year’s security include the addition of metal detectors at the entrances to the fair, increased and enhanced law enforcement presence throughout the fair and parking lots, and the addition of overlapping shifts of officers and deputies during the peak fair times. All these safety measures are in addition to private security hired for the fair.

According to EPD Chief Chris Skinner, “County fairs across America provide opportunities for friends and families to come together and enjoy the offerings of their unique area. It’s important to us as a police department to provide a safe and secure place for that enjoyment. If you plan on coming to the fair and engage in unsafe behavior, stay home.”

“For over a century, the Lane County Fair has been a cherished tradition in our community,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “This year, we are proud to collaborate with the fair and other agencies to ensure a fun and safe environment where families can come together, create lasting memories, and celebrate our county. Let’s all work together to keep the fair enjoyable for everyone.”

The Lane County Fair, at 796 W. 13th Avenue, is a summer event everyone looks forward to. It is fun for all ages. The security measures are designed to make the venue safer so people can enjoy the many rides, games, exhibits, and entertainment.

The following area east of Cottage Grove is on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• Areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.    

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information. 

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads:

• Brice Creek Road east of the Umpqua National Forest Boundary
• All of Sharps Creek Road

Federal land managers in the area have issued closure orders due to the fire. People camping in the Brice Creek, Sharps Creek, Champion Creek, Bohemia, and Fairview Peak areas should leave now. Please check the Umpqua National Forest webpage for more information. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

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In February of 2020, DHS investigated a report that Jakiah Chandler had inappropriately touched a juvenile at a Junction City address. Investigators were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to make an arrest at that time. In May of 2023, investigators were made aware of two more allegations of abuse by Chandler of minor children.  The abuse was reported to have occurred both in Albany and rural Lane County. Chandler, now living in Albany, was interviewed and subsequently arrested. 

A cooperative action between the Lane County District Attorney’s Office and Linn County District Attorney’s Office led to Chandler accepting a plea deal for sentencing on sex crimes amounting to 25 years in the Oregon Department of Corrections.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Human Services, Albany Police Department, and both the Lane and Linn County District Attorney’s Offices for their assistance in this case. 

On Saturday, July 20th at about 3 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies and Oregon State Police responded to Fern Ridge Reservoir for a report of a drowning. Witnesses reported the victim, a 26-year-old male who was not wearing a life jacket, was swimming from their boat before going under water and not resurfacing. 

Volunteers with the Lane County Sheriff’s Dive Team responded. After several hours of searching underwater, the victim was located deceased. 

Thanks to the Lane County Sheriff’s volunteers who assisted on this difficult case, as well as the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) volunteers who responded to assist the witnesses. 

Rivers and Lakes in Lane County are still very cold, making them especially dangerous during hot summer days. Please, if recreating in or on the water, wear a life jacket.