Posts

Showing posts from February, 2025

Man Arrested Near House Fire in Pleasant Hill; Investigation Ongoing

Image
PLEASANT HILL, OR – Fire crews and law enforcement responded to an early morning house fire on February 26th at the Bella Casa Mobile Home Park in Pleasant Hill . The fire, which broke out around 3:10 a.m., engulfed the front porch of a manufactured home and a car in the carport before spreading into the house. Initial reports indicated that the home's sole occupant might still be inside. Firefighters launched an aggressive search but found no one. Crews quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes. A responding Battalion Chief from Eugene-Springfield Fire spotted an individual walking along a road about a mile from the scene. The person was later identified as the home's resident, 54-year-old Fred Lemuel Bunge . Lane County Sheriff’s deputies, already assisting with the fire investigation, made contact with Bunge and discovered he had an active Lane County Circuit Court warrant for Attempt to Elude by Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Deputies ar...

Pedestrian Killed in Highway 99 Crash South of Eugene

Image
LANE COUNTY, OR – A pedestrian was struck and killed Sunday night on Highway 99 in Lane County, prompting an hours-long investigation by Oregon State Police. The crash occurred at 8:28 p.m. near milepost 3   (between Goshen and Creswell) when a southbound Acura MDX, driven by 18-year-old Jaidene Raie Torgison of Creswell, struck 54-year-old Gary Dale Obert of Eugene, who was in the roadway.  Obert was pronounced dead at the scene. Torgison and a 17-year-old male passenger were reportedly uninjured. The highway was affected for approximately four hours as investigators worked at the scene. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, which specializes in analyzing serious crashes, is handling the investigation. Information from OSP Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest ...

Is Our Justice System Failing Us?

Image
Lane County, Or. - Once again, a repeat offender has been given a slap on the wrist and sent back into the community. Andrew Shae Tayborne pleaded guilty in 2021 to serious crimes, including Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Robbery, and Theft. Last month, Springfield Police arrested him, again, for possessing a firearm as a felon, along with large amounts of meth. Eugene Police then charged him with Identity Theft and Theft. And what happened next? This month, he pleaded guilty to all of those charges and was simply put on probation, with time served. A dangerous, violent criminal, repeatedly caught with illegal firearms and drugs, was allowed to walk free. It raises a serious question: Is our justice system truly holding criminals accountable? Police are doing their jobs, arresting repeat offenders, but when those same offenders are immediately released back onto the streets, what message does that send? If prosecutors and judges won’t follow through, how can we expect anything to ch...

Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure Near Amazon Park

Image
  EUGENE, Ore. – A registered sex offender was arrested after a Eugene Police officer saw him exposing himself near Amazon Park on the evening of February 22. According to police, the officer was responding to an unrelated call around 5:54 p.m. when he noticed a man exposing himself in front of the park at 2785 Hilyard Street . The officer turned around and confronted the suspect, later identified as 44-year-old Hobson Matthew Mason . Authorities later learned Mason had been the subject of multiple public complaints starting at 3:59 p.m. that day. An investigation revealed that he was on post-prison supervision for felony Indecent Exposure. Mason was taken into custody and transported to Lane County Jail on charges of Indecent Exposure and Failure to Report as a Sex Offender. Case #25-03013 Information from EPD Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch g...

Man Arrested for Arson at Eugene Ballet Academy

Image
  EUGENE, Ore. – A Eugene man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to shove burning materials through the mail slot of a midrise apartment building that houses the Ballet Academy. According to Eugene Police, officers responded to the location at 174 E 16th Avenue around 6:30 a.m. on February 22 after reports of an arson attempt. Following an investigation, police identified the suspect as 59-year-old Lachlan Scott Proffit . Proffitt was located the next day at 2445 Hilyard Street and taken into custody at 9:21 a.m. He was transported to Lane County Jail and charged with Arson in the First Degree . The incident remains under investigation. Case #25-02988 Information from EPD Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County,  Lane County Mugshots Uncensored , which currently has over 85,200 members. Support for local journalism...

Eugene Police Car Crashes Into Store While Responding to Call

Image
EUGENE, OR – A Eugene Police Department vehicle crashed into the W 7th Ave. Mac Group building on the evening of February 22 after swerving to avoid a charter bus. The crash occurred near the intersection of West 5th Avenue, where Highway 99 transitions into 7th Avenue. A bus was traveling west on 5th Avenue as the officer, who had lights and sirens activated, was heading east. The bus pulled into the intersection, prompting the officer to take evasive action. To avoid a collision, the officer swerved and struck a curb. The impact deployed both airbags, likely obstructing the officer’s vision. The crash into the building followed shortly after. The officer had been responding to a call at 7:36 p.m. about a reported stabbing, where a victim was said to be chasing a suspect. However, once on scene, police determined the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis and had not been stabbed. The incident, logged as case #25-048011, remains under review. No further details have been...

Son Arrested for Murder in Fatal Shooting of Elderly Parents

Image
MOHAWK VALLEY, OR – A tragic incident unfolded in Lane County as authorities arrested a man accused of fatally shooting his elderly parents. Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on McGowan Creek Road shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 23rd, 2025, after receiving a report of possible deceased individuals at the location. Upon arrival, emergency personnel confirmed that two adults had died from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as 89-year-old Paul Allan Turner and 84-year-old Beverly Jean Turner. Their son, 59-year-old Christopher Allan Turner , was found at the scene and detained. Investigators later determined that probable cause existed to charge him with the murders. Turner was taken into custody and is facing two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time. Officials urge anyone with relevant...

Lane County Deputies Investigating Suspicious Deaths in Mohawk Valley

Image
MOHAWK VALLEY, Ore. – Lane County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the deaths of two people found at a residence on McGowan Creek Road on Sunday afternoon. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the home in the 36000 block of McGowan Creek Road shortly after 3 p.m. after a caller reported finding people they believed were deceased. Fire personnel arrived on the scene and confirmed that two adults had died. A third person was found at the location and detained as part of the ongoing investigation, authorities said. Officials do not believe there is any continued threat to the community. The investigation remains in its early stages, and authorities have not released details about the cause of death or the identities of those involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1, and reference Case #25-0923. More details will be provided as they become available. Information from LCSO Michael Weber, known fo...

Student in Custody After Posting Photo with Gun Inside ECCO School Bathroom

Image
EUGENE, Ore. – A student at the 4J School District's Early College & Career Options (ECCO) program was taken into custody Friday, February 21, after posting a photo on social media of themselves holding a pistol inside a school bathroom. According to Eugene Education Options Principal Scott Mayers, the student was wearing a ski mask and pointing the firearm at the camera in the image. Another student reported the post to school officials, who immediately notified the district safety team and law enforcement. Authorities confirmed the photo was taken inside the school that day. The student left campus shortly after taking the photo without interacting with staff or other students and is now in the custody of state authorities. Due to privacy laws, further details about the student’s identity and legal status have not been disclosed. Mayers assured families that ECCO is taking the situation seriously, emphasizing that any student who brings a weapon to school or makes a violent t...

Lane County Detectives Investigate Shooting, Illegal Marijuana Grow

Image
LANE COUNTY, Ore. – Detectives with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting that occurred early Monday morning at a residence in the 27000 block of West 11th in Eugene . Authorities say all parties involved are cooperating, but names are being withheld as the investigation remains ongoing. In addition to the shooting investigation, deputies have launched a separate probe into an illegal marijuana grow at the same property. Detectives are actively executing a search warrant at the location. Officials say more details will be released as they become available. Information from LCSO Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County,  Lane County Mugshots Uncensored , which currently has over 84,900 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digi...

Eugene Man Among Those Arrested in Douglas County Chop Shop Bust

Image
YONCALLA, Ore. – A Eugene man is among multiple suspects arrested following a months-long investigation into a large-scale chop shop operation in northern Douglas County. Authorities recovered numerous stolen vehicles and property as part of the crackdown. Deputies began investigating reports that stolen vehicles were being transported to a property in the 200-block of Lower Crest Road in Yoncalla, where they were being dismantled as part of an organized operation. A search warrant executed on January 15, 2025, led to the recovery of 10 stolen vehicles and property belonging to the Oregon Department of Transportation. As the investigation expanded, additional stolen vehicles and equipment were located. On February 8, deputies returned to the Yoncalla property, where they unearthed a stolen Sureclean Northwest power washer buried on-site. Authorities later recovered a stolen 1956 Porsche in Eugene and a 2024 Husqvarna 300 dirt bike and 1995 Jeep CJ5 in Sweet Home. Among those arrested w...

Wanted Sweet Home Man Arrested After High-Speed Motorcycle Crash

Image
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ore. – A Sweet Home man with multiple felony warrants was taken into custody Tuesday after crashing his motorcycle while attempting to flee law enforcement, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded around 2:31 p.m. to reports of a suspicious person in the 39000 block of Crawfordsville Drive and suspected it was Tyler Bruce Lanz, 37 , who was wanted on felony warrants. Authorities had previously tried to arrest Lanz on February 12 near Holley after he fled from Sweet Home Police, but he was not located at that time. As deputies and Oregon State Police troopers set up a perimeter, a motorcycle sped away from the area and crashed . Lanz was identified as the rider. He suffered what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Lebanon Hospital before being transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital . Deputies accompanied Lanz in the ambulance and will remain with him until he is booked into jail. He is wanted on felony warran...

Former Rogue River Teacher Arrested on Multiple Sex Abuse Charges

Image
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – A former Rogue River Junior-Senior High School teacher was arrested following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a former student, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). Jesse Rex Orndoff, 30, of Selma , was taken into custody on multiple charges, including 10 counts each of second-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape, and third-degree sodomy . He is currently lodged in the Jackson County Jail. The investigation began after a woman came forward on February 13, reporting that Orndoff, who was both her teacher and coach, sexually abused her over several years while she was between 15 and 17 years old . Though Orndoff no longer works at Rogue River Junior-Senior High School, he was most recently employed at Rogue Christian Academy in Grants Pass . Both schools are fully cooperating with the investigation. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and urge anyone with relevant information to contact Detective David Seese at the JCSO ...

Two Arrested in Roseburg Meth Trafficking Investigation

Image
ROSEBURG, Ore. – Two individuals were arrested in Roseburg on the evening of February 13, 2025, as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation by the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT). Detectives received information that 30-year-old Tyler Michael Jordan of Roseburg intended to sell methamphetamine in the area of NE Cedar Street. With assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, officers conducted a traffic stop and found Jordan in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by 46-year-old Dawn Marie Boyce of Coos Bay. During the stop, Jordan was detained and found in possession of approximately 18.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Boyce was also detained and found with approximately 9.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, along with a digital scale and clear baggies, items commonly associated with drug distribution. Both individuals were taken into custody and lodged at the Douglas County Jail. Jordan faces charges of Unlawful Possession, Delivery, and Manu...

Eugene Man Sentenced to 36 Years for Child Exploitation Crimes

Image
EUGENE, Ore. – Eugene resident Paul David Howard was sentenced on February 13, 2025, to 435 months (36 years, 3 months) in prison after being found guilty in a stipulated fact trial earlier this month. Howard had originally faced 19 child sex abuse-related charges following a secret indictment on July 25, 2024. He stipulated guilt to four counts of Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct (ORS 163.670), while the remaining 15 charges were dismissed. The convictions stem from incidents that occurred in 2017. Because these charges fall under Oregon’s Measure 11 sentencing guidelines, Howard will serve his full sentence, minus any time already served in county jail. He will not be eligible for good time credits or early release. Howard has been in the Lane County Jail since his arrest by Eugene Police on May 22, 2024. He remains in custody while awaiting transfer to Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville for intake. Information for this article was obtained fro...

Eugene Police Arrest Armed Man After Standoff

Image
Eugene, Ore. -  Eugene Police arrested a 59-year-old man after a tense standoff in the Sunshine Acres neighborhood on February 12. At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers responded to a call from construction workers in the 100 block of Sunshine Acres . They reported that a man, later identified as Michael Gordon Graham , approached them, pointed a handgun, and ordered them to leave. To contain the situation and ensure public safety, police set up a perimeter around Graham’s residence. When initial attempts to contact him failed, officers deployed the BearCat armored vehicle for cover and issued loud hails. Additional resources, including the Drone Team, K9 Unit, and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), were brought in to help de-escalate the situation. After multiple failed attempts to make contact, CNT negotiators eventually reached Graham by phone. He refused to exit and allegedly threatened to shoot any officers who entered his home. At 6:30 p.m., Eugene Police SWAT was activated, ...

Officials Plan Safety Upgrades for River Road and Beacon Drive Intersection

Image
Eugene, Ore. - Transportation officials from the City of Eugene and Lane County are collaborating to improve safety measures at the intersection of River Road and Beacon Drive in the Santa Clara neighborhood. Lane County Senior Transportation Planner Becky Taylor highlighted the challenges of the area, where high-speed rural roads intersect with densely populated suburban streets. “We're working closely with the City of Eugene’s transportation staff to identify opportunities to enhance safety at the intersection,” Taylor said. To address immediate concerns, officials have implemented several safety measures. Lane County has installed red flashing beacons and reflective tape on stop signs along Beacon Drive. Additional enhancements, including solar-powered LED stop signs and a speed-feedback sign for southbound River Road, are expected once the necessary equipment arrives. Officials are also considering supplemental warning signs for drivers approaching River Road from Beacon Drive....

Former Local Teacher Indicted on Multiple Sexual Abuse Charges

Image
Eugene, Ore. - A former teacher at Willamette Leadership Academy and Wellsprings Friends School, Bryan Dalton Jochumson , has been indicted on seven counts of felony second-degree sexual abuse , according to court records.  The charges, which were filed on February 11, 2025, stem from alleged incidents that took place on February 1, 2023. Court records state that the victim was under 18 years of age and therefore incapable of consenting. Jochumson was initially arrested on November 28, 2023, on one count of felony second-degree sexual abuse and one count of unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, a misdemeanor. The marijuana charge was never filed on. He was later released on bail. A trial date has been scheduled for March 18, 2025. Court records and charge details were obtained from the Oregon Judicial Portal, while a publicly available image of Jochumson was sourced from the Wellsprings website. It is important to note that these are allegations, and Jochumson is presumed innocen...

Firefighters Battle Blaze at Eugene Insurance Office, Rescue Cat

Image
Eugene, Ore. - Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a commercial structure fire in Eugene’s River Road area on the evening of February 10. The fire broke out at an insurance office located in the 900 block of River Road, prompting multiple calls to emergency dispatch at 5:47 PM. According to reports, bystanders noticed flames and broken windows at the business and attempted to contain the fire using portable extinguishers after breaking the glass. Despite their efforts, the fire spread, requiring immediate intervention from emergency personnel. Firefighters from Stations 2 and 11 arrived on the scene within approximately five minutes and were met with heavy flames inside the strip mall building. Crews quickly launched an aggressive attack on the fire, working to contain it to its point of origin while also conducting a thorough search of the premises. During their response, firefighters discovered and rescued a cat from inside the burning building, ensuring its safety. The cause...

Deputies Seek to Identify Man Who Followed Child Near River Road Elementary

Image
LCSO no longer needs the public's help identifying this man. Eugene, Ore. - Authorities are working to identify a man who reportedly followed a child walking home from River Road Elementary School on January 28 in Eugene. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, the child noticed an unknown male walking a dog behind them before seeking safety at a nearby neighbor’s house. The man was later seen driving past the residence in a red Chevrolet Malibu sedan. The individual is described as a white male, approximately 40 to 55 years old, 6’3” tall, and weighing around 210 pounds. He was wearing a blue or gray beanie, a tan jacket, blue jeans, and work boots. A photo of the suspect was later obtained from a nearby store. While no crime is believed to have been committed, law enforcement considers the incident concerning and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference...

AirTag Leads Police to Stolen Bicycle, Two Arrested

Image
Eugene, Ore. - Eugene police officers successfully recovered a stolen one-of-a-kind bicycle and arrested two individuals after a tracking device led them to an unoccupied residence on February 7. A 22-year-old Eugene man reported his bicycle stolen after it was taken from his second-floor balcony. When filing his report online, he provided surveillance footage and crucial information—he had placed an AirTag tracker on his bike. The AirTag signaled a location in the 1500 block of Patterson Street , pinpointing the possible whereabouts of the stolen bicycle. Responding swiftly, a Eugene Police Department community service officer followed up on the report, and officers were dispatched to the location. Through the front window of the residence, officers spotted two bicycles, one of which matched the victim’s stolen property. After confirming with the property management company that the home was supposed to be vacant, officers received permission to enter. Inside, they encountered 49-...

Pedestrian Killed in Highway 99 Collision

Image
EUGENE, OR – A tragic crash on Highway 99 left a pedestrian dead on the evening of February 8. Eugene Police Patrol and Major Collision Investigations responded to the scene at 7:25 p.m. after reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision. Upon arrival, officers immediately began lifesaving efforts, but the pedestrian, a man in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigations suggest the man was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Highway 99 when he was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a Eugene man in his 30s. The highway was cleared and reopened to traffic at 1:40 a.m. on February 9. This incident remains under investigation. Case number 25-02210. Information from EPD

Vehicle Fire Causes Minor Delays in West Eugene

Image
EUGENE, Ore. (Feb. 8, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a vehicle fire just after 3:00 p.m. on February 8th at the intersection of Roosevelt and Seneca in West Eugene. Bethel Engine 8 arrived on scene to find an SUV with a fully involved engine compartment fire. Firefighters quickly went to work, extinguishing the flames and ensuring the fire did not spread further. In the meantime, officers with the Eugene Police Department (EPD) provided traffic control to manage the flow of vehicles through the area. The fire is believed to have been contained to the engine compartment, and no injuries have been reported at this time. However, due to the ongoing investigation and response efforts, ESF Fire Investigators are on site examining the cause of the fire. Motorists in the area should expect minor traffic delays as crews continue to clear the scene. Authorities are urging drivers to use caution and be aware of potential disruptions in the flow of traffic. There has been no word yet on th...

Chlorine Leak Contained at Springfield Water Treatment Facility

Image
SPRINGFIELD, Ore.  – A chlorine leak at the Springfield Utility Board (SUB) water treatment facility was safely contained on February 7th after an emergency response from Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) and the Eugene Region 2 Hazardous Materials Team. At 2:18 p.m., firefighters were called to the facility located near 28th & M Street for a leaking chlorine tank. The situation prompted a swift response from the specialized Hazardous Materials Team, which is made up of ESF firefighters cross-trained as hazardous materials technicians. Upon arrival, crews discovered the leak was isolated to a valve problem. The issue was quickly addressed, and no threat to the public was identified. ESF teams worked alongside SUB personnel to secure the area and begin the process of replacing the faulty equipment. Crews remain on scene to ensure the safe and proper replacement of the affected components. Fire officials praised the successful outcome, noting that effective planning, robust systems,...

One Injured in Springfield Storage Shed Fire

Image
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (Feb. 6, 2025) – A fire in an occupied storage building in Springfield left one person seriously injured on Friday morning. The Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to the blaze in the 5200 block of Daisy Street at 11:18 a.m. Engine 14 arrived on scene just two minutes after dispatch to find a working fire in a storage shed attached to a carport. Firefighters quickly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the nearby home. Crews worked swiftly to suppress the flames, securing the surrounding area and minimizing further damage. At the time of the fire, one person was inside the storage building. The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Their identity and the exact nature of their injuries have not yet been disclosed. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Eugene Springfield Fire Department urges residents to stay vigilant ...

Coos Bay Man Arrested After Violent Pursuits and Armed Standoff

Image
COOS BAY, Ore. (Feb. 6, 2025) – A 34-year-old Coos Bay man, Deven Lee Dunn , was arrested following a dangerous series of events involving high-speed chases, reckless driving, and an armed standoff with police on February 6. The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) had been investigating Dunn after two vehicle pursuits on February 5, during which he fled from officers in a stolen car. The chases were highly dangerous, with Dunn speeding through a school zone and residential areas, running traffic signals, and creating immediate public risks. Officers also learned that Dunn was armed and had threatened to resist arrest. After the second pursuit, the stolen vehicle was found crashed in North Bend, but Dunn was not located. However, investigative leads led police to a residence at 868 8th Terrace, where Dunn was confirmed to be hiding. At approximately 3:15 p.m., CBPD officers served a search warrant at the location, calling for Dunn to surrender. While several individuals voluntarily exite...