- Information for the Public Safety report and Courts in The New Era is sourced from local law enforcement and fire agencies. 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. Addresses provided generally denote the location of the incident or arrest, occasionally indicating the origin of the call.
- 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: SHPD (Sweet Home Police Department); LCSO (Linn County Sheriff’s Office); OSP (Oregon State Police); SHMC (Sweet Home Municipal Court); LMC (Lebanon Municipal Court); AMC (Albany Municipal Court); LCCC (Linn County Circuit Court); LCJC (Linn County Justice Court); LCS (Linn County Supervisory); OSPB (Oregon State Parole Board); FTA (failure to appear); FTC (failure to comply); DV (domestic violence). A roman numeral listed after a charge means that the charge is that numbered-degree: theft I (first-degree theft).
Nov. 21
7:57 a.m. – Caller reported aggressive geese in 4100 block Main St. who charge her whenever she walks by. Officer responded, contacted owner, who was advised of complaint.
10:22 a.m. -Caller reported one vehicle backed into another in drive-thru in 2000 block Main St. Officer responded, drivers exchanged info. Damaged estimated at under $2,500.
10:47 a.m. – Caller reported theft of vehicle from 2100 block Main St. Described as green four-door 1999 Mazda Protege, license 245QSQ. Report taken.
11:15 a.m. – Caller reported scam in 1500 block Tamarack St. According to SHPD, the caller received a Facebook message from a woman claiming to have won the lottery in Michigan and willing to share $50,000 of it. All the person had to do was apply and send a $200 application fee. The caller did not fall for the scam. Officer contacted caller, information noted.
11:24 a.m. – Dustin Garrish, 28, Thomas Garrish, 25, and Riley Clark, 23, all of Albany, cited for riding without ATV Safety Education Card. 25000 block West Brush Creek Rd.
11:43 a.m. – Shelby Jordan Anderson, 28, of Sweet Home, cited for driving uninsured and for expired registration, Main St./22nd Ave.
11:44 a.m. – Caller reported theft of chainsaw from truck bed in 1200 block Nandina St. Described as Husqvarna, valued at $450. Officer responded, report taken for theft II.
12:14 p.m. – Makhaila Dolores Horn, 19, of Sweet Home, cited for speeding, 95/55, following too close, and failure to carry proof of insurance. Santiam Hwy./Horseshoe Loop.
12:26 p.m. – Deputy responded to report of campfire in Pioneer Park, 200 W. Park Ave., Brownsville.
12:58 p.m. – Brandy Lee Dozier, 40, arrested by Curry County Sheriff’s Office on SHMC warrant for FTC in criminal driving case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
1:07 p.m. – Caller reported his mother was assaulted, choked by male in 2200 block Long St. Male had left in victim’s vehicle. Officer responded, report taken for domestic violence-assault IV, strangulation. Female transported by medics.
1:38 p.m. – Caller reported FedEx driver ran over her patio furniture in 4200 block Main St. Damage valued at $300. Officer responded, information noted.
2:44 p.m. – Neil David Van Epps arrested on LMC warrant for probation violation, 43100 block N. River Dr. Cited and released.
3:47 p.m. – Caller reported female in 1200 block 46th Ave. who needed to be trespassed. Officer responded, located female, who was trespassed.
3:49 p.m. – Caller reported brother being taken advantage of by caregiver in 300 block Boulder Ridge Dr. Officer responded, investigation continuing.
7:31 p.m. – Drema Marie Fowler, 60, arrested on SHMC warrant in criminal case, LCCC warrant in DUII, resisting arrest case, 1200 block Nandina St. Cited and released. Arrest came after caller reported neighbor videoing her at that location.
7:35 p.m. – Deputy made attempt to stop speeding vehicle in 200 block N. Main St., Brownsville. Report taken for elude.
7:53 p.m. – William E. Brinton, 61, arrested on LMC warrant for contempt of court, cited for driving while suspended, Main St./22nd Ave. Cited and released.
9:05 p.m. – Isaac Madison, 18. of Roseburg, cited for speeding, 37/25, 600 block N. Main St., Brownsville.
10:13 p.m. – Ethan Neddeau, 34, of Brownsville, cited for speeding, 41/25, 500 block N. Main St., Brownsville.
Nov. 20
5:39 a.m. – Caller reported vehicle with no headlights, just a flashlight taped on the front, in area of Main St./49th Ave. Officer responded, but was unable to locate the vehicle.
7:06 a.m. – Caller from Mr. Lucky’s Deli, 1207 Long St., reported transients using business’s trash and restrooms. Officer responded, trespassed males from location.
7:31 a.m. – Caller reported male recording, being argumentative with staff at FAC, 1450 24th Ave. Officer responded, male was trespassed.
7:43 a.m. – Crash reported in 23000 block Brush Creek Rd. Female driver told LCSO she reached for her phone to get directions and veered off road. Report taken.
10:00 a.m. – Caller reported male sped through area of Nandina St./48th Loop, failing to stop at stop signs. Officer responded, located registered owner who was counselled for behavior.
10:32 a.m. – Larry Dean Bergstrom, 61, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, LCCC warrants for FTA in two contempt of court cases. 3000 block Main St. Cited and released.
11:59 a.m. – Caller reported vehicle battery stolen from 4100 block Osage St.
1:05 p.m. – Bryanah Paige Tranilla, 32, arrested by Grande Ronde police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
1:19 p.m – Caller reported theft of ammunition from BiMart, 1980 Main St., on Nov. 3. Value $743. Report taken for theft II.
2:18 p.m. – Bob Davis, 63, of Sweet Home, cited for towing trailer with no trailer lights, Main St./Bishop Way, Brownsville.
2:44 p.m. – Landscaper located heart at residence in 700 block Westview St., Brownsville. Deputy determined it was probably an elk heart, but consulted with medical examiner, who confirmed it was non-human.
3:17 p.m. – Jamie Daniel Carpenter, 49, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in criminal driving case. Main St./24th Ave. Cited and released.
3:41 p.m. – Caller reported 42-year-old male shot with pellet gun, 1000 block Pine St., Brownsville. According to LCSO, victim suffered penetrating injury to abdomen and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for medical attention. “Due to the intoxication level of everyone involved, their recollection the of events was not consistent or clear.” Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
3:47 p.m. – Anna House, 41, of Brownsville, arrested on outstanding warrant, 1000 block Pine St., Brownsville. Report taken.
4:37 p.m. – Caller reported barrel stolen from area of 13th Ave./Kalmia St., filled with trash. Officer responded, contacted male believed to be responsible, who would be cleaning out barrel and returning it to location it was taken from.
5:26 p.m. – Caller reported male in white truck driving down railroad tracks near 24th Ave. Officer responded, contacted male, who was warned about trespassing on railroad tracks.
8:03 p.m. – Deputies responded to domestic disturbance, 1000 block Pine St., Brownsville.
9:29 p.m. – Multiple callers reported crash in area of Long St./Holley Rd. Male driver, identified as Deacon Pruitt, ran into stop sign. Officer responded, report taken for non-injury crash. Estimated damage under $2,500.
11:46 p.m. John Andrew Mance, 37, of Sweet Home, arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTC in criminal mischief case.
Nov. 19
2:56 a.m. – Mesh Fern Alston, 21, arrested for assault IV, 1100 block 47th Ave. Cited and released.
3:52 a.m. – Ashley Ruthann McCarthy, 28, arrested for criminal trespass II, 12th Ave./railroad tracks. Cited and released.
7:09 a.m. – Teri Annette Jefferson, 60, cited for failure to stop for bus lights, driving uninsured, 4000 block Main St.
7:13 a.m. – David Melvin Buck, 32, arrested by University of Oregon police on SHMC warrant for FTA in felon in possession of restricted weapon case. Cited to appear Jan. 14, 2026.
9:56 a.m. – Caller reported he was trying to help female move out in 3000 block Main St. and she locked herself in bathroom and proceeded to bang her head against the wall, said she was coughing up blood. Officer responded, contacted female who was determined not to be police officer hold candidate, and apparently was upset about her living situation. She was to contact family members and leave shortly.
10:25 a.m. – Caller reported male sitting in drive-through at Angila Tack Food Services, 1266 15th Ave., not leaving. Officer responded, contacted male, who was trespassed.
11:59 a.m. – Trespasser reported in 38700 block Crawfordsville Dr. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
1:13 p.m. – Logan Nicholas Stanley, 19, arrested for driving while suspended, 5900 block Main St.
1:32 p.m. – Deputy investigated “suspicious structure” built of brush on Campbell Global property in 51300 block Quartzville Rd. Structure did not appear to be in use; property owner notified.
2:06 p.m. – Deputy investigated camp trailer that had overstayed camping limit on BLM land in 51100 block Quartzville Rd. No one present with trailer. Deputy tagged with warning sticker.
2:55 p.m. – Deputy located site of apparent fir bough harvesting operation in 51100 block Quartzville Rd. According to LCSO, harvesting operation was located on BLM property off of Quartzville Road. Several trees in the area had the limbs or boughs cut off them, as high as someone could reach. There were dead boughs left on the ground in the area. BLM has not issued any commercial harvest permits in the area. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
3:22 p.m. – Multiple callers reported crash in 100 block Main St. Operators were Wendy Woody in vehicle that was struck, Meadeux Kay Williams, 32, in other vehicle. Williams cited for failure to obey traffic control device.
3:31 p.m. – Caller reported she was told by another female about suspicious vehicle covered by bushes in area of Green River/Clark Mill roads. Police spotted stolen 1991 Ford F250 pickup covered by bushes. Deputy later recovered the vehicle and owner, who lives in Sodaville, was notified.
5:04 p.m. – SHPD conducted death investigation in 2200 block Main St. after caller reported brother deceased. Report taken.
11:30 p.m. – Caller reported theft of wallet from area of Hwy. 228/Courtney Creek Dr. Report taken.
Nov. 18
2:28 a.m. – Michael James Runyan, 52, arrested by Josephine County Sheriff’s Office on SHMC warrant for FTA in DUII case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
12:56 p.m. – Kenneth Adair, 57, of Sweet Home, cited on warrant, 43700 block Wiley Creek Dr. Report taken.
9:28 p.m. – Jessica Deffenbaugh, 40, of Sweet Home, arrested on outstanding LCSO warrant for probation violation, AMC and LMC warrants. 43700 block Wiley Creek Dr. Report taken.
9:43 a.m. – Caller reported power tools stolen from River Bend Park, 45900 block Hwy. 20. Missing were two Husqvarna weed eaters and a Stihl concrete saw owned by Linn County Parks. Total value approximately $2,000. Report taken.
9:54 a.m. – Robert Lee Edblom, 35, arrested by Corvallis police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear Jan. 14, 2026.
10:59 a.m. – Caller reported dog in 700 block Steelhead Way that was “not being fed,” tied up under motor home. Officer responded, determined that dog was not in distress and advised owner of tethering laws.
12:44 p.m. – Caller reported package delivered to wrong address by U.S. Postal Service. Officer made contacted, report taken for mail theft. 4500 block Manzanita St.
3:10 p.m. – Jack Edward Counts II, 36, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTA in fraud case. Cited to appear Jan. 14, 2026.
3:47 p.m. – Deputies responded to report of fight or disturbance in 47400 block Hwy. 20. No arrests made after investigation, but report taken.
5:10 p.m. – Morgan Rand, 36, of Sweet Home, cited on warrant, 47400 block Hwy. 20. Report taken.
5:20 p.m. – Deputy conducted extra patrol after complaints about speeding in 800 block E. 1st St., Halsey.
9:21 p.m. – Caller reported fake bill passed at Mr. Lucky’s Deli, 1207 Long St. Officer responded, report taken for forgery I, theft II.
11:05 p.m. – Deputies investigated criminal mischief damage at Pioneer Park, 200 block W. Park St. According to LCSO, someone drove through the grass, tearing up the park. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
Nov. 17
2:36 a.m. – Deputy attempted to locate hunters who asked for assistance as they were above Green Peter and had been walking all night. No success. Family was in area to pick them up.
8:19 a.m. – Caller reported individuals possibly starting fire in 1300 block Clark Mill Rd. Officer responded, contacted male who was advised of complaint, warned for trespassing. He put fire out.
9:16 a.m. – Caller reported possible tax scam fraud, 29700 block Nixon Dr. According to LCSO, victim received a call from an alleged tax company saying victim owed back taxes. Scammers eventually asked for credit card information to pay for the $6,000 bill. Report taken.
10:24 a.m. – James Allen Wood, 40, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, following traffic stop at Foster Lake Market.
12:04 p.m. – Caller reported roommate missing since previous day from 39200 block Crawfordsville Dr. Deputies unable to locate elderly female. Willamette Valley-wide alert issued. She was located by Canby police department during a traffic stop about one hour after the call. She was safe, and released to go about her day. Report taken.
12:43 p.m. – Caller reported multiple individuals gathering in area of Sweet Home Library and Post Office on 13th Ave. Officer responded, contacted males, who were to move along.
2:18 p.m. – Charles Cooley, 55, of Brownsville, cited on warrant, 500 block Ash St., Brownsville. Report taken.
2:56 p.m. – Sergio Casas, 57, arrested after he turned himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on LCCC warrant in failure to supervise child case. Cited and released.
3:09 p.m. – Caller reported male pushed over sign at 610 Main St. Officer responded, but was unable to locate suspect.
3:29 p.m. – Crash reported in area of 15th Ave./Nandina St. Drivers exchanged information. Ammon T. Knight, 57, was driving a 1991 Ford Explorer. Melissa Mae Cruickshank, 24, who was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, was cited for driving while suspended. Non-injury.
5:05 p.m. – Roberta Lee Griffiths arrested by OSP on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
5:20 p.m. – Theft reported in 6300 block Hwy. 20. Missing items included Samsung S25 valued at $800 and fishing gear valued at $130. According to LCSO, two juvenile males stole a tackle box full of lures, and the phone from another juvenile who was fishing. Deputies are investigating and the suspects have been identified. Report taken.
9:46 p.m. – Crash reported in 47200 block Quartzville Rd. This was a Ford F350 that had rolled onto its side in a ditch on a corner. There was no one with the vehicle. According to LCSO, the driver, Addison Hollingshed, 23, of Albany later returned to the scene with her father to get the vehicle. Non-injury. Report taken.