- Information for the Public Safety report and Courts in The New Era is sourced from local law enforcement and fire agencies. Addresses provided generally denote the location of the incident or arrest, occasionally indicating the origin of the call. Incident details, which may not always be available from agencies in time for publication in our weekly paper edition, are often updated online at sweethomenews.com as information becomes available. Also, due to space limitations in our paper editions, content may be restricted to the most recent information, and a more extensive version of the Public Safety Report will be available at sweethomenews.com.
- It is crucial to emphasize that our reporting of an individual’s arrest or citation for a crime does not imply guilt. Determination of guilt can only be established through legal proceedings in court. We commit significant effort to following through as cases move through the judicial process.
- Following is a list of abbreviations that may appear in our log reports: CSO (community services officer); LCSO (Linn County Sheriff’s Office); SHPD (Sweet Home Police Department); OSP (Oregon State Police); LCCC (Linn County Circuit Court); LCJC (Linn County Justice Court); SHMC (Sweet Home Municipal Court); LMC (Lebanon Municipal Court); AMC (Albany Municipal Court); FTA (failure to appear); FTC (failure to comply). A roman numeral listed after a charge means that the charge is that numbered-degree: theft I (first-degree theft).
Nov. 16
3:33 a.m. – Jessica Lea Nofziger, 40, arrested on AMC warrant for FTA in theft case, 4800 block Main St. Cited and released.
1:25 p.m. – Franklin Joe Whitton, 45, arrested for disorderly conduct II after multiple callers reported male acting erratic, trying to break into vehicles in area of McDonald’s 2000 block Main St. Cited and released.
4:45 p.m. – Franklin Joe Whitton, 45, arrested for criminal mischief I after callers reported male causing disturbance, throwing bricks in 1900 block 12th Ave. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
5:19 p.m. – Multiple callers complained about driver in Brownsville. Deputy located vehicle parked in driveway in 35000 block Forry Dr., near Brownsville Rd., but no one answered the door.
5:38 p.m. – Deputy responded to report of domestic disturbance in 25000 block Hwy. 99, Halsey. Located person who was intoxicated and deemed threat to themselves as well as others. Subject was placed in custody and transported to local hospital. Report taken.
10:28 p.m. – Raymond Lyle Tressell, 30, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in unauthorized entry into motor vehicle case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
Nov. 15
12:06 a.m. – Marick Allen Tyree Best, 25, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in harassment case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
9:58 a.m. – Bradley Marion Pugh, 42, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in failure to perform duties of a driver case.
10:21 a.m. – Richard Leland, 58, of Sweet Home, arrested for felon in possession of firearm, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person and harassment. 39600 block Hwy. 228. According to LCSO, for an unknown reason, Leland allegedly began shooting a firearm at a neighbor’s shop. Several witnesses reported the incident. Lodged at Linn County Jail. Report taken.
1:37 p.m. – Operator drove vehicle into side of another vehicle while turning into driveway in 27800 block Seven Mile Lane, Brownsville. Victim asked that offender not be cited “because his day was bad enough, as is.” Report taken.
4:22 p.m. – Leo Elijah Brawn, 18, arrested on LMC warrant for contempt of court in driving uninsured and driving while suspended cases, Sankey Park, 877 14th Ave. Caller reported male and female, who appeared to be teenagers, drinking at location and that they were getting ready to drive away in separate vehicles. Officer spoke to both subjects, detected no signs of impairment.
5:59 p.m. – Conner Hagle cited for driving uninsured, failure to register vehicle, Main St. at Highway 20 Church of Christ.
7:53 p.m. – Male teens, 16 and 17, cited for speed racing on highway after officer stopped them att Thriftway, 621 Main St. Warned for speeding.
9:06 p.m. – Nolan Williams, 39, of Brownsville, arrested for disorderly conduct, aggravated harassment and assault IV. 500 block Hausman Ave., Brownsville. According to LCSO, “out-of-control individual” identified as Williams was in a physical confrontation with another person. He then stripped most of his clothes off and began running though the neighborhood. Deputies were able to detain him, but he began banging around in the back of the patrol car on scene and had to be placed in additional restraints. Report taken.
10:02 p.m. – Deputy dispatched deer with broken back, 25300 block Gap Rd., Brownsville.
11:03 p.m. – James Vernie Seiber, 62, arrested on Linn County warrant for FTC in giving false information to police officer case. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
Nov. 14
3:06 a.m. – Tanner David Melson cited for failure to obey traffic control device, 1900 block Main St.
5:01 a.m. – Robert Michael Straw, 40, of Brownsville, cited for speeding, 63/45, 34600 block Hwy. 228, Brownsville.
5:28 a.m. – Jeremiah Earl Allen, 48, of Sweet Home, cited for speeding, 62/45, Bishop Way/Pearl St.
5:38 a.m. – Callers reported female trying to get into cars and houses in 1200 block 44th Ave. Officer responded, contacted female who was determined to possibly be having medical attack. She was transported by medics.
10:14 a.m. – Caller from Sweet Home High School reported two students’ backpacks stolen, 1641 Long St. Officer responded, report taken for theft II.
10:15 a.m. – Caller reported a white truck had dropped a manhole cover in her yard in 1200 block 46th Court. Officer responded, item placed in property.
10:30 a.m. – Lucas Michael Allen Melbye, 28, cited for city code violation – rooster in residence in 1300 block Poplar St. Area resident had reported that rooster had been waking her up for past six months.
10:43 a.m. – Caller from U.S. Forest Service, 4431 Main St., reported her government credit card was hacked. Officer responded, report taken for attempted fraudulent use of credit card.
12:03 p.m. – Erin Elizabeth Tracy cited for driving uninsured, 4500 block Main St.
3:16 p.m. – Caller reported firearm missing from their vehicle during day in 900 block Filbert St. Missing gun identified as Springfield XD handgun, which had been under the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Not clear whether gun was lost or stolen. Report taken.
2:58 p.m. – Ronda Lee Arce, 43, cited for speeding, 37/20, 900 block 22nd Ave.
7:29 p.m. – Caller reported physical disturbance in 43700 block Wiley Creek Rd. Deputy contacted participants, who admitted to “wrestling” each other following misunderstanding. No injuries, situation was determined to be non-criminal.
Nov. 13
1:41 a.m. – Steven Lee Ballweber, 36, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in hit and run case, 3000 block Main St. Cited and released.
3:19 a.m. – Joshua Welch, 36, of Lebanon, arrested on outstanding warrants, 1000 block Red Baron Lane. Report taken.
3:37 a.m. – Katrina Lynn Gray, 42, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, LCJC warrant in trespass case, AMC warrant for FTA in initiating false report case, and LMC warrants for FTA in two criminal citation cases. 4000 block Main St. Cited and released.
7:28 a.m. – Benjamin Logan, 33, of Creswell, cited for speeding, 75/55, Peoria Rd./Nixon Dr.
8:41 a.m. – Officer contacted individual who had tent blocking sidewalk in area of 13th Ave./Kalmia St. Spoke with various individuals who were to pack up and move along.
11:28 a.m. – Dustin Kyle Westling, 39, arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office on SHMC warrant for FTC in criminal driving case. Cited to appear Jan. 14, 2026.
11:58 a.m. – Caller reported criminal activity at his residence, 1000 block Red Baron Lane. According to LCSO, caller reported someone hanging around in their driveway. Investigation determined a male had created his own lien documents and were trying to unlawfully repossess a vehicle. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
8:17 p.m. – Caller reported shop was broken into in 2700 block Foothills Dr. Officer responded, report taken for burglary I, theft II. According to SHPD, burglar appeared to have kicked door in. Power tools and camping gear missing.Loss estimated at $700.
8:21 p.m. – Caller reported son’s backpack stolen, 1000 block 22nd Ave.
8:26 p.m. – Eyan Robert Lynd, 35, arrested at Multnomah County Jail on SHMC warrant for theft III. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
11:09 pm. – Caller from 7-Eleven reported that male at location was acting strange, making employee feel uncomfortable. Officer responded, trespassed male.
11:11 p.m. – Caller reported female left his house in 700 block Oak Terrace, eastbound in white Ford Explorer, and had hit one of his vehicles, shoving it into another vehicle. Caller did not want to pursue charges, but was concerned about female’s driving behavior.
11:44 p.m. – Patrick Anthony Douglas Lovato, 33, arrested on two LCCC warrants for probation violation in failure to register as sex offender and warrant for same charge, Oregon State Parole Board warrant for parole violation. Also charged with failing to register as sex offender, resisting arrest and assault on public safety officer. 1700 block Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
Nov. 12
5:38 a.m. – Ian Lipanovich, 28, of Lebanon, cited for speeding, 28200 block Hwy. 99, Halsey.
7:59 a.m. – Deputy provided ride to hospital for female experiencing mental health issues, 47600 block Cascadia Dr.
8:36 a.m. – Multiple callers reported crash in area of Main St./18th Ave. According to SHPD, Sandra Eddings, 79, of Sweet Home, driving a 2012 Subaru Outback, turned west onto Main Street from the Columbia Bank and oversteered while pressing down on the gas, which led to the vehicle jumping the curb and driving into a pole. Eddings was transported to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital by medics. Damage estimated at over $2,500. Report taken.
10:50 a.m. – Female warned for illegal camping, 1900 block 53rd Ave.
11:31 a.m. – Dog bite reported in 1000 block Pleasant Valley Rd. Quarantine order issued for offending dog.
11:40 a.m. – Caller reported cellphone stolen from HIlltop Market, 4824 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft II. Investigation continuing.
12:11 p.m. – Caller reported female sleeping on sidewalk at 7-Eleven, 2405 Main St. Officer responded, contacted female, who was fine.
12:15 p.m. – Stolen vehicle located on Canyon Creek Rd. According to LCSO, this was a 2007 Chevy Suburban that had been stolen Nov. 9 in Sweet Home. It had been dumped on private timber property. Report taken.
1:22 p.m. – Caller reported his identity stolen, someone took out student loans in his name. Officer responded. Investigation continuing. 1600 block Tamarack St.
1:38 p.m. – Caller reported homeless subject in stairwell at old City Hall, 1140 12th Ave. Officer responded, contacted individuals, who were told to clean up trash and move along.
1:59 p.m. – Joshua Leslie arrested for criminal trespass II after caller from Thriftway, 621 Main St., reported that male who had been previously trespassed was outside, harassing customers. Leslie also arrested on five SHMC warrants for FTA in trespassing cases. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
2:12 p.m. – Kelly Duane Kearns arrested at Thriftway, 621 Main St., on SHMC warrants for FTA in theft, carrying concealed weapons cases. Cited and released.
2:18 p.m. – Caller reported dog barking in area of 47th Ave./Live Oak St. Officer called owner, no answer. Left message.
3:19 p.m. – Joshua Welch, 36, of Lebanon, arrested on Linn County and Lebanon police warrants, 1000 block Red Baron Lane. Report taken.
3:52 p.m. – Puppy found in 49600 block Canyon Creek Rd. According to LCSO, the puppy was approximately 10 to 12 weeks old, black and white with black speckled paws and white-tipped tail. Someone found the puppy in the woods near Canyon Creek Road and dropped it off at Sweet Home Police Department. A deputy transported the puppy to Animal Control.
5:47 p.m. – Caller from area of 47th Ave./Live Oak St. (see above) reported dog still barking. Officer was able to contact owner who said daughter would respond and put dog inside.
9:16 p.m. – Michael Anthony Bly arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in trespassing case, 1300 block Tamarack St. Cited and released.
9:36 p.m. – Caller reported male sleeping in parking lot in 1300 block Long St., asked police to check on him as caller had not seen him move for a while. Police responded, medics transported male. Further information unavailable.
10:05 p.m. – Ciaran Terry Whatley, 43, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft of services case, 1100 block 13th Ave. Cited and released.
Nov. 11
2:55 a.m. – Colten Colliers, 20, of Brownsville, arrested for DUII, reckless driving, criminal mischief, minor in possession of alcohol, and theft III after report for theft in 33100 block Hwy. 228, Halsey. According to LCSO, the Halsey store reported that an individual had stolen two cases of beer. The vehicle was located in the area and stopped. The offender was not cooperative when arrested and began kicking the inside of the patrol car while detained, LCSO reported. Report taken.
8:53 a.m. – Wayne Graham, 72, of Brownsville, arrested for criminal trespass II, criminal mischief II, 300 block Spaulding Ave., Brownsville. According to LCSO, this was a neighborhood dispute in which the offender came onto the victim’s property and cut the victim’s tree.Report taken.
10:32 a.m. – Caller reported neighbors fighting in 3100 block Main St. When SHPD arrived, officers determined that the fight was between two dogs that had been separated. One owner was bitten and was en route to get medical attention.
11:18 a.m. – Caller reported trailer full of trash dumped in area of Long St./38th Ave. Officer responded, located trailer owner who was warned to properly dispose of it.
4:53 p.m. – Crash reported in area of Main St./15th Ave. According to SHPD, Brien Munts, 37, of Sweet Home, was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester west on Main Street when Jason Tenbusch, 53, of Sweet Home, driving a 2019 Nissan Rogue east on Main, turned north onto 15th Avenue in front of Munts’ vehicle. Damage estimated at over $2,500. Non-injury.
5:21 p.m. – Caller reported he was struck by a vehicle while walking in 3000 block Main St. According to SHPD, Eliseo Castro, 25, stated he was walking westbound on Main and was crossing the driveway to Hoy’s Hardware when a vehicle leaving the parking lot rolled forward and hit him lightly. Castro said he was uninjured. He told police it was possible the driver didn’t realize they had hit him. He described the vehicle as a gray Toyota sedan. Report taken for hit and run.
6:15 p.m. – Dog bite reported in 1300 block Hawthorne St. Female victim transported by medics. Dog placed on 10-day quarantine.
5:41 p.m. – Deputies responded to argument at bar, 400 block N. Main St., Brownsville.
8:57 p.m. – Connor William Ford, 23, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in DUII case, LCCC warrant for FTC in DUII case. Also cited for driving while suspended, failure to install ignition interlock device and driving uninsured. 12th Ave./Kalmia St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
Nov. 10
12:19 a.m. – Phillip Wayne Groff, 28, arrested for DUII, cited for driving while suspended. 12th Ave./Redwood St. Cited and released.
1:32 a.m. – Earl Ryan Dodge, 31, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, LCCC warrant for FTA in possession of meth case. Caller had reported male walking up and down caller’s driveway in 4200 block Main St., claiming to be looking for something. When caller told him to leave, he approached aggressively, according to caller. Dodge cited and released.
7:46 a.m. – William Lee Phillips arrested for theft III after caller from Thriftway, 621 Main St., reported male stole items from store. Approximate value $4.49. Officer located suspect at 13th Ave./Long St. Cited and released.
9:22 a.m. – Caller reported finding red bio-hazard tape hung on property for unknown reason in 46600 block Old Hufford Dr. Information documented.
12:14 p.m. – Crash reported in 2200 block Main St. Non-injury. Officer responded, drivers exchanged info, no report.
2:57 p.m. – Caller reported someone broke into her storage unit, stole multiple items, 1200 block 45th Ave. Further details not available. Officer responded, report taken for burglary II.
4:15 p.m. – Kyle Austin Hanscam, 32, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in resisting arrest case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
4:43 p.m. – Caller reported her son’s backpack, with Chromebook inside, stolen during previous week. Approximate value $475. Report taken for theft II. 1200 block 40th Ave.
5:42 p.m. – Caller reported she was scammed, 300 block W. Holley Rd. Officer responded, report taken for theft by deception. Approximate loss $8,400.