- 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: 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); 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).
April 19
1 a.m. – Raul Pena Ramirez, 54, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in giving false information case. 900 block Long St. Cited and released.
11:12 a.m. – Crash reported in 800 block 14th Ave. Officer responded, determined damage was under $2,500. No report. Parties advised of options.
12:10 p.m. – Caller reported male took down their No Trespassing signs, 500 block Main St. Officer responded. Report taken for criminal mischief II, theft II. Approximate value $100.
2:46 p.m. – Lock on timber gate broken on Giustina Resources property, 45000 block Quartzville Rd. Report taken for criminal mischief.
2:50 p.m. – Caller reported recliner and old TV left in parking area in 43300 block North River Dr., near Foster Lake. Report taken for littering.
3:26 p.m. – Matthew Vincent Bocca, 36, arrested by Portland police on SHMC warrant in endangering a child case. Cited to appear May 14.
7:28 p.m. – Thomas Quinn, 28, cited for driving uninsured and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, 5300 block Main St. after caller reported vehicle speeding, passing in no-pass lanes and unable to maintain control. Officer did not detect signs of intoxication, according to SHPD log.
7:41 p.m. – Tawnee Tena, 53, of Veneta, cited for speeding, 24900 block Hwy. 99.
8:04 p.m. – Shawn Charles Bland, 55, arrested by Eugene police on SHMC warrant in trespass case. Cited to appear May 14.
8:48 p.m. – Crash reported in 42100 block North River Dr. Driver missed driveway entrance and ended up in ditch. Non-injury. Report taken.
10:30 p.m. – Burglary reported at gas station in 200 block W. Bishop Way, Brownsville. According to LCSO, two people broke the front door, and stole at least two cases of beer. Report taken.
April 18
8:55 a.m. – Caller reported male walking in front of traffic, flipping people off and possibly exposing himself in area of 46th Ave. and Main St. Officer responded, advised male to safely cross street. Male was experiencing “wardrobe malfunction,” according to SHPD.
11:57 a.m. – Caller reported that son was riding skateboard and was struck by car in area of Sankey Park, 800 block 14th Ave. Occupant(s) of vehicle asked if he was OK, then left. Victim did not want to pursue matter further.
12:18 p.m. – Caller reported large group of juveniles in area of Sankey Park, 800 block 14th Ave., having loud “inappropriate” conversations. Officer responded, contacted one group of juveniles, who didn’t want to speak with officer, and another group that denied reported activity.
2:16 p.m. – Caller reported female stealing from Thriftway, 621 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft III. Approximate loss $7.69.
5:07 p.m. – Caller reported “concerning situation” with TikTok involving students at Sweet Home Junior High. According to SHPD, a social media post referenced specific students in a threatening context. The student responsible was identified and interviewed. Based on the information available, there was no indication of an immediate threat, according to SHPD, but the school initiated its safety protocol and law enforcement is staying in contact with administrators as needed.
5:09 p.m. – Caller reported possible trespass in 24400 block Gap Rd. Deputy responded, learned male was simply picking up cans.
5:11 p.m. – Caller reported dog bite in 110 block W. Holley Rd. According to SHPD, the dog, described as a hound breed, reportedly exited a yard on West Holley Road and bit a 43-year-old woman in the thigh. The injury was treated by medics on scene and the victim planned to seek further care. Dog owner was cooperative, according to SHPD, and a standard 10-day quarantine was issued. Case was forwarded to Linn County Environmental Health.
5:28 p.m. – Caller reported “ongoing situation” with dogs barking and neighbor allegedly threatening them in 400 block Ironwood St. Officer to counsel owner of dogs.
6:28 p.m. – Callers reported disturbance in 4200 block Main St. According to SHPD, officers responded to a report involving two adults during a child custody exchange. The incident was reported after the fact, and no one was transported by ambulance. Both individuals gave different accounts. Officers documented minor visible injuries on one party and attempted to follow up with the other. Case remains under review. Due to the involvement of children, no further details were released.
7:02 p.m. – Multiple callers reported juvenile bitten by dog in 1500 block Tamarack St. According to SHPD, 7-year-old child was bitten on the hip. Dog was described as a Rottweiler/German shepherd mix, which reportedly broke free from a cable tie-out. Injury not life-threatening. The child was evaluated by medics on scene and planned to be seen at urgent care. Dog owner was issued a 10-day quarantine notice and case was referred to Linn County Animal Control and Environmental Health.
9:01 p.m. – Deputy responded to report of unsafe backyard fire in area of 1st and Glass streets, Crawfordsville. Individuals at location determined they were done for the night.
11:29 p.m. – Brody Dylan Burright, 22, arrested for DUII, reckless driving, driving while suspended and attempt to elude following chase that began when OSP officer attempted to stop 1990s-vintage red Mazda pickup that had swerved into center lane and then into ditch along roadside on Hwy. 20 at Liberty Rd. According to OSP, pickup then proceeded erratically into Sweet Home, where SHPD officer engaged in 1900 block Main St. but pickup failed to yield and a pursuit ensued from 19th and Main to Fairview Rd. to McDowell Creek Dr. to Sunnyside Dr. to North River Dr., where a tire deflation device was employed and the truck crashed shortly thereafter. According to OSP, Burright showed signs of impairment and a search warrant was granted to seize a blood sample. Burright lodged at Linn County Jail. Truck was towed. LCSO also involved in pursuit.
April 17
3:47 a.m. – Richard David McColister, 68, arrested on LMC warrant for FTA in criminal citation case. Also cited for driving while suspended, 1000 block 44th Ave. Cited and released.
12:08 p.m. – Caller reported possible fight involving students in 800 block 14th Ave. Officer responded, determined that altercation was verbal only. Counseled all parties and they were separated and one female was trespassed from high school property due to disturbance.
12:17 p.m. – Caller reported ongoing issue with dogs in 1100 block Tamarack attacking people or acting aggressive. Dogs were in fenced yard but gate “always open,” caller reported. Officer responded, found dogs on running lines, contacted and advised owner of animal ordinance.
2:26 p.m. – Caller reported student driver speeding and driving recklessly in 1600 block Long St. Officer contacted juvenile at SHPD after contacting parents, counseled juvenile on driving behavior.
4:16 p.m. – David Ralph Van Epps arrested for restraining order violation and on a warrant. Shortly before the arrest, Van Epps had been involved in a minor crash that had occurred in the vicinity of Main St./1st Ave. Parties exchanged information and initially declined police involvement, but a caller later reported that Van Epps may have been intoxicated, police said. Around the same time, officers received a separate report that Van Epps had driven past a residence he was prohibited from approaching under a restraining order. He was located and admitted to driving past the residence. Based on witness statements and his own admission, officers established probable cause for a restraining order violation and determined that Van Epps also had an active warrant. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
April 16
9:28 a.m. – Brandon Ryan Freeman, 31, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in trespass case, on Linn County warrant for probation violations in unauthorized use of motor vehicle and assault cases. Arrest followed caller’s report that people were breaking into his car in 2200 block Main St. Freeman lodged at Linn County Jail. Caller later reported finding needles and feces in car Freeman was allegedly trying to break into. Officer responded, collected bicycles and needles from location.
10:55 a.m. – NIckolas Ryan Shoulders, 35, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear May 14.
11:59 a.m. – Caller reported hit and run at Samaritan clinic in 1200 block 49th Ave. Officer responded, took report for hit and run. Damage under $2,500.
12:41 p.m. – Caller reported male stole items from Thriftway, 600 block Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft III. Loss estimated at between $14 and $42.
5:04 p.m. – Robert Runnfeldt, 41, of Sweet Home, cited for driving uninsured following non-injury, non-reportable crash in 28800 Pleasant Valley Rd.
5:11 p.m. – Caller reported finding mail in Dumpster, 36200 block Northern Dr., Brownsville.
6:12 p.m. – OSP responded to resort of crash near Milepost 27 on Hwy. 99E, south of Halsey. Orange semi truck operated by Luis Gerardo Garcia Gutierrez, 35, of Springfield, blew a front tire and rolled into southbound ditch, toppling onto its side. Company called for own tow. Trailer license plates were ripped off.
9:33 p.m. – Caller reported horse in back yard in 1200 block Sunset Lane. Officer responded. Report to be forwarded to code enforcement.
9:59 p.m. – Caller reported she was kicked by another juvenile wearing steel-toed boots at Sweet Home High School, 1641 Long St. Officer responded. Report taken for assault IV.
April 15
2:37 a.m. – Frank Vincent Nelson, 38, arrested by Florence police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft of services case. Cited to appear May 14.
3:43 a.m. – Hunter Gomez, 41, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear May 14.
7:48 a.m. – Caller reported male broke into his car in 1500 block Main St., stole his wallet and was walking near location. Officer responded, report taken for theft III, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle. Investigation continuing.
11:55 a.m. – Caller reported losing wallet at Main Street Market, 1810 Main St., then discovering fraudulent activity. Officer responded, information noted.
1:34 p.m. – Caller reported female who had been caught allegedly stealing at Thriftway, 621 Main St., a few days prior, was back at location. Officer responded. Report taken for theft III. Approximate value of loss $40.
2:53 p.m. – Cody Peterson, 38, cited for driving while suspended after allegedly failing to stop for school bus lights. 4300 block Main St.
3:14 p.m. – Adam Scott Lytle, 39, arrested on Florence Municipal Court warrant for DUII, two counts of reckless endangering, reckless driving and hit and run, and LMC warrant for probation violation in driving while suspended and driving uninsured cases, 2400 block Long St. Arrest came after call that male was acting erratically at location. Officer responded, found male intoxicated but no crimes, children at location released to family friend.
4:01 p.m. – Multiple callers reported crash in 1200 block 44th Ave. Drivers were Bertha Viola Ash, 70, driving a 2003 Ford Explorer, and Marissa Ellen Emmert, 34, driving a 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Vehicle traveling fast east-bound in the west-bound lanes on Main St. caused head-on collision in 1200 block 44th Ave. Minor injuries reported. Both vehicles towed. Damage over $2,500.
4:16 p.m. – Brooke Lynn Paige Brown, 51, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in harassment case. Cited to appear May 14.
6:04 p.m. – Caller reported juveniles riding dirtbikes and entering roadway in 4900 block Main St., nearly being hit by vehicles. Officer responded, contacted males who were then riding up and down in their driveway, advised them to stay out of roadway.
8:18 p.m. – Caller reported male who allegedly caused verbal disturbance in 1200 block Nandina St., then left on motorcycle. Nearly an hour later, caller reported male was back. Officer responded, report taken. According to SHPD, no citations were issued. Police were asked to trespass a man known only as “Rockie” from the property, but he had already left when officers arrived and couldn’t be contacted. Attempts to confirm his full identity or get a working phone number were unsuccessful, according to police.
8:57 p.m. – Eric Land, 27, of Salem, arrested for driving under influence of intoxicants, Lake Creek/Seefeld drives, Halsey. Report taken.
11:42 p.m. – David Samson, 63, cited for driving uninsured, 2000 block Main St.
April 14
3:12 a.m. – Steven Dale Myers, 55, arrested on LMC warrant for contempt of court, south end 23rd Ave. Cited and released.
6:11 a.m. – Robert Edeward Hilliard, 55, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrants for FTC in criminal driving case. Cited to appear May 14.
9:55 a.m. – Caller reported someone trying to use their credit card to order $2,000 worth of items to be sent to Albany address. Officer responded, report taken for fraudulent use of credit card, computer crime, 1100 block 54th Ave.
1:52 p.m. – Caller reported “a ton” of vehicles parked in 1200 block 49th Ave. for long periods of time. Officer responded, negative contact at location. Code enforcement will post vehicles for removal.
6:20 p.m. – Caller reported someone opened credit card account in his name, 500 block 9th Ave. SHPD advised him of his options.
10:50 p.m. – Andrew Benton Erickson, 54, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear May 14.
11:01 p.m. – Michael Ray McQueary, 22, arrested for DUII, reckless driving, cited for failure to obey traffic control device, 1600 block Long St. Booked, cited and released.