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Showing posts from July, 2023

Death Investigation on the Willamette River

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Lane County, Ore. - The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a kayak that had flipped over on the Willamette River on Saturday afternoon at about 4:30pm.  A male had been kayaking downstream from the Middle Fork Boat Launch when his kayak struck a log and overturned. A second person had been floating on an inner-tube that was attached to the kayak by rope. After striking the log, the kayak became entangled in the log and the male riding in it did not resurface. The person riding on the inner-tube was able to find their way to shore. Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol and Search and Rescue responded to the area and were able to locate the involved male underwater. They pulled him from underwater and brought him to shore but he was unable to be revived. The victim in this case was not wearing a life jacket. A life jacket was found attached to his kayak. The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time. News Release from Lane Co. Sheriff's Office Posted on Flas

Former Child Star Arrested for Domestic Assault in Eugene

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Eugene, Ore, - UPDATE: Moments ago the Lane County District Attorney filed formal charges against Zachery Ty Bryan. There is also a notation in the court records, "allegations of aggravating circumstances justifying departure sentence". In layman's terms this means they would like to send him to prison for this case. Here are his following charges filed in court today: Assault in the Fourth Degree 163.160(3) Felony Class C Robbery in the Third Degree 164.395 Felony Class C Harassment 166.065(4) Misdemeanor Class A Bryan's arraignment will be today (7/31/2023) at 1:30pm. ***ORIGINAL STORY*** Eugene, Ore. -  At around 6:00 p.m. on July 28, 2023, Eugene Police received report of a physical dispute between a male and adult female at a north Eugene residence.  The dispute was reported to have occurred several hours prior and the suspect, identified as Zachery Ty Bryan , age 41, of Laguna Beach, California, had left the location. Eugene Police subsequently contacted Bryan i

Death Investigation at Triangle Lake

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Triangle Lake, Ore. - The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a possible drowning at Triangle Lake on Thursday evening.   At about 7:45pm, a caller advised that a boat had tipped into the lake and one person had not resurfaced after going into the water.  Bystanders immediately began searching the area where the boater was last seen, approximately 50 feet from the main boat ramp. Divers located the victim at approximately 10:45pm and found him to be deceased.  The identity of the victim, a 17-year-old male, is being withheld at this time.  Initial investigation has revealed that the male had fallen into the water when the canoe that he was riding in capsized.  He was not wearing a life jacket.   News Release from Lane Co. Sheriff's Office Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2023 12:11 PM Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Warrant Served on Felon Supplying Narcotics and Secure Large Cache of Firearms

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Eugene, Ore - On July 27, Eugene Police SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, and Street Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at a home in the 1100 block of W. 13th Avenue. Stephen Allan Laszlo 2020 mugshot    SCU gained information Stephen Allan Laszlo , age 41, a felon, was in possession of several firearms, fencing stolen property and dealing narcotics. Laszlo was using funds to finance a make-shift pawn shop and supplying narcotics as well buying property brought to him from various people. The location where he was living is a small, 15-unit low-income housing development for people with children to live in a safe and friendly environment. Laszlo has lived at the location for well over a year and has no children living with him. This was not the fault of the apartment management, but Laszlo taking advantage of a system meant to help people in need. During the execution of the search warrant, Laszlo jumped from his second-story window onto a covered porch, but in doing so injured his ank

Man and Woman Arrested in Carjacking/Robbery

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Eugene, Ore. - On July 13, Eugene Police Patrol officers took a report of a robbery/carjacking. Although there were at least nine armed robberies from July 13 to the present, a few presented similar suspect descriptions and methods of operation.  The suspects typically targeted individuals who were walking alone or who were getting in/out of vehicles. A Eugene Police Property/Financial Crimes Unit detective was assigned the case. On July 23, an EPD officer investigated a reported vehicle break in at a local 7-Eleven, where the suspect of the theft dropped a phone in the car. The phone turned out to be linked to the victim of a previous robbery committed only 30 minutes prior.  The officer began working with detectives and they were able to identify two suspects: Edward Leo Gent , age 35, of Eugene, and Josie Rose Velasquez , age 33. Both live in Eugene and Gent was recently released from prison. The identification of the potential suspects broke open the case. On July 24, another Eugen

Fatal Two Vehicle Crash Halsey

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Halsey, Ore. - Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on, July 25, 2023, at 3:26 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash in the 26000 block of Peoria Road near Halsey. Initial reports suggested it was a fatal crash. Upon arrival, Deputies found a green 2011 Toyota Camry had a near head-on collision with a green 2006 Ford F-450 utility truck pulling a trailer. The investigation revealed the Toyota Camry was traveling north on Peoria Road and crossed the centerline while negotiated a right-hand curve, striking the oncoming Ford F-450 occupied by Diogenes Diaz-Perez, 36, of Springfield, and Jose Reyes-Castro, 34, of Springfield.  The driver of the Toyota Camry, a 17-year-old male from Idaho, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The two occupants of the Ford F-450 were evaluated for minor injuries. A 15-year-old juvenile male passenger in the Toyota Camry was also evaluated for minor injuries.  At this t

Man with Warrants Taken into Custody after Reckless Driving

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Eugene, Ore. - At around 6:19 p.m. on July 23, a Eugene Police officer on patrol spotted a suspect driving in the Hwy 99N and Roosevelt area who had eluded police on stops during the last few weeks.  The suspect, Dillan Paul Prudhomme , age 34, of Glide,  had active warrants for his arrest. The officer attempted a traffic stop but Prudhomme immediately drove southbound on Highway 99N. Another officer spotted Prudhomme’s vehicle stopped at a red light on W. 7th Avenue at Chambers Street. The officer attempted to pin Prudhomme’s vehicle from the front as the first officer was also arriving to assist. However, Prudhomme immediately and quickly reversed the vehicle, ran over a sign on the southside of W. 7th Avenue, and then began driving the wrong way on W. 7th Avenue. An officer attempted to forcibly stop the vehicle, but Prudhomme evaded the maneuver and struck an occupied Kia Optima being driven in the area. Prudhomme continued driving the wrong way in a reckless manner, endangering th

Life Sentence for Convicted Murderer

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Eugene, Ore. - The suspect, James Paul Cable , has been sentenced to life in prison for Murder in the Second Degree. He has the possibility of parole after 25 years. He also received 25 months for Assault on a Public Safety Officer to be served concurrently to his life sentence.  The victim, Daniel Pizzutti, who was 35 at the time, was Cable’s roommate and died after being repeatedly struck in the head with a frying pan. The case was investigated by the Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit. Cable's earliest date of release is listed as  07/24/2122, according to the Lane County Jail.  Case 21-18149 ***ORIGINAL STORY*** On November 18, 2021, police contacted James Paul Cable, age 38, of Eugene, at his residence and took him into custody regarding a homicide investigation at the location. During the investigation,  Cable struck a detective, and was later arrested on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Assault on a Public Safety Officer. The 35-year-old male victim is known to Cabl

Downtown Stabbing Under Investigation

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Eugene, Ore. - At 2:39 a.m. on July 24, Eugene Police, were called after a report of a stabbing. The first victim, a male, age 47, had arrived at 590 E. Broadway on foot with a stab wound and an employee at the location called 911. EPD officers also responded to a second location, in a parking lot in the 600 block of E. Broadway, where the incident was later found to have occurred. At that location, there was a female victim, age 25, and a male victim, age 28, who also had knife injuries. An initial investigation, which is continuing, determined the couple had been sleeping in a semi-secured area in the 600 block of E. Broadway, when the 47-year-old male woke them up by leaning over the area. After being told to leave, he returned several times. Eventually there was a fight between the two males. During the fight, both males sustained stab wounds. During the fight, the female tried to assist her partner and sustained a laceration. Both males were transported to a local hospital for tre

Gateway Fatal Vehicle Vs Pedestrian Investigation

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Springfield, Ore. - On July 24, 2023 at 2:54 am, Springfield Police Department Officers responded to a disturbance at Chevron (3375 Gateway St.). Officers observed a large moving truck depart the gas station and proceed to I-5 northbound. Officers also observed what appeared to be an individual laying in the parking lot of the gas station.  Officers were able to contact the moving truck via traffic stop. Officers on-scene rendered aid to the individual in the parking lot; despite the lifesaving efforts rendered, the individual succumbed to their injuries. The individual’s identity is currently being withheld due to notification of next of kin.  Detectives and investigators with the Springfield Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are currently investigating the incident, in conjunction with the Lane County District Attorney’s office. The driver of the moving truck is cooperating with the investigation. Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident to

Shots Fired Near Lane County Fairgrounds

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Eugene, Ore. - At 8:57 p.m. on July 21, Eugene Police were dispatched to report of shots fired in the parking lot outside the Lane County Fairgrounds.  In addition to Eugene Police, Springfield Police, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police also responded and the call is in progress.  Eugene Springfield Fire medics responded to Friendly and 16th Avenue to treat one male gunshot wound patient and transport him to a local hospital for treatment.  The suspect(s) appear to have left the location. Law enforcement has secured the area and the Lane County Fair is continuing to operate on its normal schedule. (Information from EPD) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Fatal Hit and Run at 90047 Prairie Road

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  *UPDATE* 08/02/2023 The suspect in this case has been identified as 53-year-old Troy Dean Erne of Eugene.  Erne turned himself into detectives along with the involved vehicle, a 2015 BMW sedan, on Monday.  He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the charge of Hit & Run (Fatal). The vehicle is no longer considered outstanding.  *UPDATE* 07/28/2023 – LCSO Case #23-3863 – Fatal Hit and Run Crash on Prairie Rd. Investigators have identified the victim in this case as 45-year-old Alisha Diane Rife of Junction City.  Rife was killed on the evening of July 20th when she was struck by a vehicle on Prairie Rd. near Leghorn Rd.   The vehicle in this case is believed to be a 2015–2019 BMW 3 Series car, mineral gray in color.  It is likely missing a passenger side-mirror and possibly has front-end damage or damage to the passenger side.   Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1 and reference LCSO Case #23-3863.       *UPDATE* 07/2

Lane County Man Resentenced to Nearly 88 Years After Appeal

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Eugene, Ore. - A Lane County man convicted in 2018 of sexually abusing a foster child in his care was resentenced to nearly 88 years in prison after an appeal.  According to court records, Joe Albert Raygosa , age 50, was resentenced Monday in Lane County Circuit Court after he was found guilty of 10 sex crimes against a child. Raygosa was originally sentenced on 12 sex crimes in 2018. At that time Raygosa was sentenced to nearly 94 years.  Raygosa's release date is now listed as 1/17/2111. 87 years, 6 months and 17 days from today. Being his conviction is a measure 11 crime, Raygosa will serve each and every day of his conviction, making this a virtual life sentence.  Raygosa was transported today to prison from the Lane County Jail.  The original 2018 story can be found here:  https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2018/08/oregon_foster_father_sentenced.html (Information from the Lane County Jail, and the Oregon Judicial Portal) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Missing Climber - LCSO Case #23-3799

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UPDATE:  Utilizing intel gathered from drone footage, Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel have located the body of the missing climber on the North Sister.  He has been identified as 21-year-old Joel Tranby of Bend.  Tranby died after falling several hundred feet down a loose and rocky slope earlier this week.  Search and Rescue personnel were able to observe his body from helicopter this morning; however, extremely loose and steep rocky terrain rendered reaching him on foot impossible. Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel are consulting expert climbers from a number of various sources to determine if a recovery mission can be safely conducted. We are saddened by this loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.  ****Original story***** Lane County, Ore. - Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue received the report of an injured climber near the summit of the North Sister on the afternoon of July 17, 2023 at approximately 12:18pm. T

Joe Anthony Harker Sentenced

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Eugene, Ore. - Joe Anthony Harker was the subject of multiple Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit investigations in 2022 and early 2023. With the massive assistance of EPD’s Special Investigation Unit, S.W.A.T., and other teams, Eugene Police was able to serve warrants on Harker and his wife, Shayla Bennett . This included writing warrants and applying to judges for authorization regarding residences, vehicles, cell phones, and hotels for many cases. On June 29, Harker took a plea for 75 months in Oregon Department of Corrections. DOC. Shayla Bennett is currently in custody and pending court proceedings. This is an outcome of the hard work and persistence by SCU and ultimately with the assist from SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, and other EPD units. Street Crimes Unit is funded by Community Safety Payroll Tax. SCU partners with other services to help solve issues, maximize services, and meet community needs. The tax was passed to provide funds to support the Community Safety System. Fundi

SWAT Activity in 18th Avenue and Alder Area Results in Arrest

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Eugene, Ore. - ​​At around 7:50 p.m. on July 18, Eugene Police responded to conduct a welfare check on a woman in an apartment near 18th Avenue and Alder Street . When they arrived, they found a man and the woman were in the apartment together. They had previously been in a relationship and there was probable cause to arrest the man for a domestic assault involving the woman. When officers knocked on the door, the man, Jayson Wesley Boyd , age 21, of Springfield, and the woman moved into another room, out of view.  Officers knocked continually for a protracted period without any response.  Meanwhile, officers wrote and applied for a body warrant, which was granted by a judge. As the call progressed officers became increasingly concerned the woman was not free to leave. EPD Crisis Negotiation Team was deployed, along with SWAT and Drone Team. CNT hailed without success and officers could hear movement inside of the apartment.  After several minutes with no response the decision was made

Armed Man at Roosevelt Boulevard and Foch Street Safely Taken into Custody

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Eugene, Ore. - At 5:50 p.m. on July 18, multiple Eugene Police units responded to Roosevelt Boulevard and Foch Street regarding an armed man.  The man, who had been sitting outside an LTD bus stop, was reported to have taken out a firearm and pointed it at his own head. Due to the details and safety hazards, an armored vehicle and a drone was brought to the scene and officers were able to conduct a high-risk stop on the man as he was walking north on Highway 99N. The man was compliant and taken into custody without incident. The man, Ricky Dwight Blount , age 58 of Pomona, California, was transported to Lane County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. Case 23-10469 (Information from EPD) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Vehicle-Bicycle Crash on W. 11th and Chambers

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Eugene, Ore. - At approximately 10:48 a.m. on July 18, Eugene Police responded to a reported vehicle-bicycle crash on W. 11th near Chambers .  An investigation found the 22-year-old male bicyclist was riding his bicycle on the north side of W. 11th Avenue, going the wrong way against traffic. He crossed W. 11th to the south side, entered the intersection without slowing and narrowly missed a car driving south through the intersection then hit a dump truck, being driven by a 55-yer-old male going north on Chambers. Another motorist stopped and rendered aid to the bicyclist,  applying a tourniquet to the injured man’s leg. Another bystander assisted and then helped direct traffic until police arrived. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by Eugene Springfield Fire for treatment of a leg injury and cited for Failure to Obey a One-way Designation and Failure to Obey a Traffic Device. (Information from EPD - photo by Noland Whaley) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Suspect in Fatal May 5th Peninsula Road Crash Arrested

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Oakridge, Ore. - The suspect in a May 5th crash that left one person dead has been arrested without incident. 26-year-old James Patrick Metzler  is accused of first degree manslaughter, felony hit and run, and DUII. Metzler was booked into the Lane County Jail last night. The DA has filed charges in court after a June 11th indictment. We do not know when Metzler's next court date will be.  Metzler is said to have been the driver of a Nissan Pathfinder that left Peninsula Road, and struck a pole leaving the passenger dead. Metzler is said to have fled the scene, but was located not far from the crash. Metzler also sustained injuries, and was transported to a local hospital at the time of the crash. (Information from LCSO, and Lane County Jail records) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Fatal Traffic Crash on Row River Rd.

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Cottage Grove, Ore. - Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a multi-vehicle traffic crash in the 37500blk of Row River Rd. on Saturday shortly after 11:00am.   Initial investigation reveals that a white Honda Accord had been traveling westbound on Row River Rd. when it failed to negotiate a right hand curve and struck an oncoming gray Dodge Avenger.  A passenger in the Dodge Avenger was killed in the crash. Additional details will be released as they become available.  This crash is still under investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.  News Release from Lane Co. Sheriff's Office Posted on FlashAlert: July 18th, 2023 8:31 AM Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

Firefighters Battle 2 Alarm Fire In West Eugene

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Eugene, Ore. - Eugene Springfield Fire is still currently on scene of a 2 Alarm fire in West Eugene.  Firefighters responded to multiple reports of a house fire in the 2400 block of Pershing Street Sunday evening.   Firefighters arrived to find several outbuildings on fire extending to two homes.  As the fire grew it caught the dumpster on fire at a neighboring apartment building which was threatening that occupancy. Additional units and support staff were requested due to the size of the fire and work to bring it under control.  All occupants safely evacuated and the cause of the fire is under investigation.  A the time of this fire Eugene Springfield Fire crews were also responding to a grass fire in ant Highway 99 & Royal and reports on an individual suffering burns at a separate incident in West Eugene.   The fire at HWY 99 & Royal was extinguished and there are no updates regarding the burn patient at this time.  News Release from  Eugene Springfield Fire Posted on FlashAl

Downtown Carjacking at Knife Point Suspect Sought

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 ​ Eugene, Ore. - At approximately 2:00 a.m. on July 13, Eugene Police received a call of a carjacking at the intersection of E. Eleventh and Patterson. A white male in his 30s with neck tattoos, dark brown hair, and dark clothing approached two women as they stood outside of their car. The suspect presented a knife and held it to the throat of one of the victims and demanded the car. The victim handed over their car keys and the suspect fled with the vehicle. Whereabouts of the vehicle and suspect are both unknown at this time. The stolen vehicle is a gray 2012 Honda Civic with an anime bumper sticker on the rear bumper. Vehicle license plate is 607NPH. If anyone has information about this case, please contact the Eugene Police non-emergency line, 541-682-5111. (Information from EPD) Sponsored by:  Preston’s Painting LLC

New Emergency Alert System for Lane County residents -- Sign Up Now!

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Lane County, Ore. -  Public safety partners in Lane County are updating their emergency alerting service to the statewide alerting system OR-Alert, which will be called Lane Alerts locally, to send emergency alerts – including evacuation notifications – to residents and visitors.    Residents should go to  www.LaneAlerts.org  to create a free Lane Alerts account and select where and how they would like to receive emergency alerts. Residents can also text their ZIP code to 888777.   Lane Alerts allows people to opt-in to receive notifications via phone call, text message and email based on locations they care about. At minimum, people signing up must provide their name and one method of contact. Residents can choose to receive notifications about emergency events that may affect their home, workplace, child’s school, etc. The types of emergencies that people may receive alerts about include evacuations, severe weather, flooding, police activity, and more.   “Lane Alerts will give emerge