- 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); AMC (Albany Municipal 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).
June 1
12:55 a.m. – Morgan Oliver Kutsch, 30, arrested on two accounts of criminal mischief III at 7-Eleven, 2405 Main St. According to SHPD, police responded to a panic alarm and disturbance at the 7-Eleven located at 2405 Main Street. Officers contacted Kutsch, who allegedly was highly intoxicated and acting disruptively and aggressively inside and outside the store. He allegedly damaged a credit card reader, used racial slurs, and made repeated verbal outbursts. Cited and released.
1:23 a.m. – Deputy recovered machete found in roadway, 43rd Ave./Locust St.
1:35 a.m. – Justin Denherder, 38, of Sweet Home, cited for driving uninsured, arrested for driving while suspended and for warrants, 1300 block Long St. Report taken.
12:54 p.m. – Citizen reported “bad driving behavior” in area of Pioneer Park, 200 block Pioneer Park Rd. According to LCSO, a group of kids were doing cookies in the Brownsville Rec Center parking lot. Deputy had a conversation and the kids fixed the gravel lot and agreed to respect the community property.
2:09 p.m. – Cody Loewen, 33, of Sweet Home, cited on active warrant following report of civil dispute in 29000 block Berlin Rd. Report taken.
3:02 p.m. – Sean Ever Robinson, 41, arrested for criminal trespass I in area of railroad tracks and Clark Mill Rd. Cited and released.
6:19 p.m. – Hit and run crash involving vehicle and pedestrian reported in 4800 block Main St. Male transported by medics. According to police, the victim, identified as Bradley “Brad” Grunberg, was struck while using the crosswalk after leaving Hilltop Market. Grunberg sustained abrasions to his leg and a possibly broken finger. The suspect vehicle is described as a gray Toyota Camry that fled westbound. Investigation continuing.
8:12 p.m. – Harmony Jade Kalina, 42, arrested by Beaverton police on SHMC warrant for endangering welfare of minor. Cited to appear June 25.
9:31 p.m. – Kelly Duane Kearns, 53, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, FTA in concealing a weapon case, 4400 block Long St. Cited and released. Caller had reported neighbors being very loud, running a bug zapper and saws.
9:52 p.m. – Christopher J.R. Pierce, 37, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 1100 block 46th Ave.
May 31
12:33 a.m. – Steven Charles Eaton arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in animal abuse case. Cited to appear June 25.
12:35 a.m. – Jesse Lane Davis arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTA in DUII case. Cited to appear June 25.
12:36 a.m. – Bradley Allen Bowman arrested by LCSO arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear June 25.
11:40 a.m. – Traci Fruits, 40, of Brownsville, arrested on outstanding warrants following report of domestic disturbance in 27800 block Seven Mile Lane. Report taken.
12:28 p.m. – Stolen vehicle recovered in 27900 block Fern Ridge Rd. According to LCSO, this was a 2017 Ram pickup that the suspect took from the property he was being evicted from a few days prior.
1:39 p.m. – LCSO responded to dispute in 800 block W. 5th St., Halsey. Caller wanted it documented that his brother is mean.
1:50 p.m. – Caller reported he lent pistol to friend, who then lost it. 43100 block McDowell Creek Dr. Report taken.
4:44 p.m. – Linn County Search and Rescue team responded to Cascadia County Park, 48200 block Cascadia Dr., Cascadia, to assist an elderly female who was having blood pressure issues during a hike. Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District personnel had extricated the female to an ambulance by the time Search and Rescue personnel arrived.
6:37 p.m. – Officer located vehicle in Quarry Park with plates removed, windows smashed, 3101 Zelkova St. Report taken for offensive littering, abandoned vehicle posted for removal on June 3.
9:00 p.m. – Kyle Hanscam, 32, of Sweet Home, arrested on warrants, 2400 block Main St. Report taken.
11:10 p.m. – Caller reported someone siphoned gas out of trucks in 1000 block Long St. Estimated value $80. Report taken for theft III.
May 30
2:35 p.m. – Rollover crash reported in 29700 block Brownsville Rd. Further information not available at press time. Report taken.
3:18 p.m. – Two-vehicle crash reported near Milepost 4 on Hwy. 228, Brownsville. According to OSP, a gray GMC SRA truck operated by Mark Virgil Montigue, 49, of Sweet Home, was eastbound on Hwy. 228 and failed to slow, striking a Toyota MTX drive by Stephanie Nicole Lawson, 21, of Halsey. According to OSP, the truck was traveling at approximately 55 mph when the collision occurred. Lawson was transported with moderate injuries to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Her vehicle was towed.
4:47 p.m. – Kaleb Kimber Banta, 27, arrested after he turned himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on multiple warrants. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
6:08 p.m. – William Jewell, 19, cited for minor in possession of alcohol after being contacted by deputy while allegedly intoxicated at Sunnyside Park, 44900 block Quartzville Rd.
6:46 p.m. – Donald Watkins, 81, of Sweet Home, arrested for outstanding warrant, 42400 block Bennett Lane. Cited and released. Report taken.
7:28 p.m. – Disabled boat towed to shore by marine deputies, Foster Lake, 45000 block Hwy. 20.
8:31 p.m. – Lisa Dawn Johnston, 50, of Sweet Home, arrested on outstanding warrant, 43000 block North River Dr. Cited and released. Report taken.
8:43 p.m. – Lisa Dawn Johnston arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear June 25.
9:42 p.m. – Braden Oreilly Wasson arrested on Corvallis Municipal Court warrant for FTA in violent conduct case, 3100 block Main St. Cited and released.
May 29
12:12 a.m. – Caller reported gunshots, a car speeding off and a horn blaring at Old Mill Property off Tamarack St. Police and fire personnel responded to locate fully engulfed vehicle fire which had spread into nearby brush. The vehicle, later identified as a stolen vehicle out of Junction City, was a sedan registered out of Eugene. The vehicle was found heavily damaged by fire and crashed into bushes off a dirt trail. The fire was extinguished by Sweet Home Fire, and no injuries were reported. The case remains under investigation Report taken for recovered stolen vehicle, reckless burning. License plate seized as evidence.
3:19 a.m. – Deputies responded to report of domestic disturbance in 42600 block North River Dr. According to LCSO, the disturbance resulted in the crimes of assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing. The suspect dropped the victim off and left the area. Deputies are looking for the suspect. Investigation continuing. Report taken.
8:19 a.m. – Eve Tate, 26, of Brownsville, cited for driving uninsured, Main St./Kirk Ave., Brownsville.
9:03 a.m. – Jaime Castro-Hernandez arrested after turning self in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTC in criminal driving case. Cited and released.
1:51 p.m. – Heather Elaine Richards, 44, arrested on LMC warrant for probation violation in theft case, Juniper St./Mountain View Rd. Cited and released.
6:20 p.m. – Caller reported juveniles threatened caller with knife, 600 block Elm St. According to SHPD, two victims reported being verbally harassed and physically threatened by a group of older juveniles, one of whom allegedly displayed a knife and made threatening statements. One victim had a minor bruise and a small cut, though investigators were unclear whether the injury was new. A juvenile suspect has been identified in connection with the threats. The investigation is ongoing, including efforts to obtain surveillance footage from the area.Report taken for menacing.
7:12 p.m. – Steven Kenneth Stitt, 40, arrested at Linn County Jail on SHMC warrant for contempt of court.
7:51 p.m. – Krista Lee Marion Eriksen, 38, arrested on Mendocino County, Calif., warrant for DUII case, 1300 block Hawthorne St. Lodged at Linn Count Jail.
10:03 p.m. – Nicholas Gregory Godell, 41, arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in burglary case, LMC warrant for FTA in trespass case, after traffic stop, Main St./18th Ave. Cited and released.
May 28
12:09 a.m. – Caller reported domestic violence in 300 block W. Holley Rd. Officer responded, report taken for domestic violence, assault IV. Investigation continuing.
2:25 a.m. – Tyler Michael Cain, 26, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 300 block Main St. Also arrested on LCJC warrant for for probation violation in failure to carry driver’s license case, LMC warrant in driving while suspended case. Cited and released.
2:35 a.m. – Nicolas Bernson, 23, of Brownsville, arrested for DUII, reckless driving and driving while suspended following crash in 37300 block Northern Dr., Brownsville. According to LCSO, Bernson said he lost control navigating the corner and rolled his Ford Ranger. “Minor” injuries. Report taken.
7:44 a.m .- Jesse Masters, 38, of Eugene, cited for speeding in school zone, 36/20, 300 block W. 2nd St., Halsey.
8:59 a.m. – Debra Parker, 65, of Corvallis, cited for speeding, 27800 block Hwy. 20.
9:14 a.m. – Two-vehicle crash reported in 3000 block Main St. Officer responded, report taken for damage over $2,500. According to SHPD, white Ram 1500 driven by Rahul Rai and carrying two other passengers, was traveling eastbound when it collided with a silver Toyota Rav4 driven by Roger Wilt, which was turning left from a parking lot. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles were driven from the scene. The estimated damage exceeded $2,500, and both drivers were advised of DMV crash reporting requirements.
9:50 a.m. – Kyle Dawayne Roebuck, 30, arrested for criminal trespass after report of male hanging around vacant houses in 4300 block Main St. Cited and released.
10:14 a.m. – Kaitlin Chandra Lagene Lay, 29, arrested after she turned herself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTA in endangering welfare of a minor case, LMC warrant for FTA in a driving while suspended case. Cited and released.
10:23 a.m. – SHPD performed death investigation in 1300 block Tamarack St. after caller reported mother passed away. Report taken.
2:39 p.m. – Daniel Ruby cited for unspecified traffic violation, Harrison Road near Brownsville.
3:16 p.m. – Michael Scott Seiber, 45, arrested at SHPD, 1950 Main St., after he turned himself in on LCCC warrant for FTA in possession of meth case, AMC warrant for contempt of court and LMC warrant for probation violation in theft case. Cited and released.
7:11 p.m. – Caller reported kids were doing cookies in a Halsey-area gravel parking lot. They were contacted and chose to fix the gravel.
May 27
12:47 a.m. – David Wayne Samson, 63, of Sweet Home arrested on warrant after being located in River Bend County Park during closure hours, 44500 block Hwy. 20. Cited and released.
10:29 a.m. – Citizen visited SHPD to report fraudulent ATM withdrawals from 1890 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft III, loss of more than $100.
10:57 a.m. – Deputy responded to report of overdose of prescription medicine in 35600 block Kirk Ave., Brownsville. Victim transported to hospital.
1:33 p.m. – Crash reported near Milepost 24 on Hwy. 20. According OSP, a Chevy TRV driven by Jennifer Lynn Reddell, 32, of Sweet Home, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 20 when it left the roadway and ran into a ditch, overturning. Reddell was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
3:22 p.m. – Caller reported that female hit him with car, 1100 block 38th Ave. Report taken. Male, identified as Steffan Milligan, declined to pursue charges.
3:48 p.m. – Store employee reported solicitor would not desist from attempting to sell their product, 100 block Spaulding Ave., Brownsville. Solicitor trespassed from location.
4:13 p.m. – Criminal mischief reported in 26800 block Powerline Rd., Halsey. Deputies investigated, suspect arranged to fix damage.
5:26 p.m. – Caller reported hit and run resulting in property damage at 5050 Mountain Fir St. According to SHPD, the suspect vehicle, a white Ford F-150, struck a blue 2021 Jeep Renegade, causing moderate damage to the rear driver’s side fender, door, and wheel well, with visible white paint transfer and denting. According to SHPD, the driver, Taylor Foster Franzen, 19, admitted to being involved and leaving the scene. She was cited and released for hit-and-run – property damage.Estimated repair cost exceeds $3,000. Report taken.
7:11 p.m. – Nicole Anna Jackson, 52, of Sweet Home, arrested on outstanding warrant following report of neighborhood dispute in 41900 block Marks Ridge Dr. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
10:23 p.m. – Caller reported her nephew bashed in her screen door in 1100 block 38th Ave., told her to call police. Report taken for criminal mischief II, estimated damage $650. Case forwarded to City Attorney for review.
May 26
9:19 a.m. – Adrian Dietz, 18, cited for no valid operator’s license following crash in 2200 block Ames Creek Dr. Dietz’s Toyota Avalon was the only vehicle involved. Report taken for damage over $2,500.
10:15 a.m. – Sandra Manning, 77, of Brownsville, cited for failure to renew vehicle registration, Spaulding Way/Kirk Ave.
1:36 p.m. – Victoria Crumley, 29, of Lebanon, cited for for failure to renew vehicle registration, Main St./North Ave., Brownsville.
1:50 p.m. – Caller reported solicitors trespassing in Halsey, 500 block W. 4th St. Deputies located solicitors, who were instructed to avoid soliciting in Halsey without proper permit.
4:06 p.m. – Officer responded after being flagged down in area of 18th Ave./Long St. Took report for theft II. According to SHPD, backpack, clothing, fishing knife and custom knife were missing. The complainant left the backpack sitting out and someone took it. Estimated value $450.
6:11 p.m. – Shawn Gall, 47, of Sweet Home, arrested on outstanding warrant, 27300 block Rowell Hill Rd. Report taken.
10:07 p.m. – MIP party reported in 42600 block Marks Ridge Rd. Deputy arrived before things could get started and had not moved onto Cascade Timber Consulting property. Deputy located unopened case of beer in control of person of drinking age. Crowd dispersed. Deputy patrolled area to make sure they stayed away.
May 25
3:47 a.m. – Kyle Dawayne Roebuck arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in criminal trespass case, 1900 block Main St. Cited and released.
9:26 a.m. – Errin Marie Montoya, 45, arrested on LCCC warrants for FTA in unauthorized use of motor vehicle, theft and initiating a false report cases, 600 block 12th Ave. Cited and released.
9:54 a.m. – Daniel Stauffer, 44, of Crawfordsville, cited for failure to carry proof of insurance, 1400 block Long St.
12:27 p.m. – Shawna Tidwell, 37, of Lebanon, cited on warrant, 43900 block North River Dr. Report taken.
1:31 p.m. – Deputy on patrol in 45000 block Quartzville Rd. located unattended “questionable” camp on BLM land, dumped truck bed camper on Weyhaeuser property that had been previously stolen from BLM campsite. According to LCSO, this was a truck bed camper that was mounted to a flatbed trailer. It had been parked on Quartzville Road for two weeks before it was stolen. The camper was dumped and the flatbed trailer was still missing.
2:30 p.m. – Caller reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be police, 28800 block Weatherly Lane. Suspect did not ask for money or personal information. Caller simply wanted situation documented.
4:34 p.m. – Lisa Beth Richards, 45, arrested by Independence police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, FTA in criminal trespass case. Cited to appear June 25.
7:38 p.m. – Caller reported that beer was stolen while he was loading his groceries at Thriftway, 621 Main St. Report taken for theft III.
8:06 p.m. – Deputy responded to automatic crash alert in Sunnyside Park Loop A. No crash located, but deputy did find “about 20 kids to deputize.”
10:26 p.m. – Caller reported juveniles playing basketball at Northside Park, 1712 11th Ave. Officer responded, contacted juveniles and advised them of park hours.
10:48 p.m. – Michael Todd Rosencrantz arrested on SHMC warrants for FTA in escape case, and criminal mischief case. 3100 block Main St. Cited and released.
10:59 p.m. – Hayden Bettelyoun, 19, of Albany, cited for minor in possession of alcohol, 28100 block Water Lane.
11:13 p.m. – Etta Louise Holt arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear June 25.
May 24
12:36 a.m. – Jacob Thomas Salvador, 32, arrested on AMC warrant for FTA in giving false information to police case. Chavana Ann Bowswer, 33, arrested on LCCC warrants for probation violation, FTA in possession of heroin cases, and possession of heroin; AMC warrant in theft case; LMC warrant for probation violation in theft case; SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case; and Marion County Circuit Court warrant for FTA in theft case. 1200 block Main St. Both cited and released.
7:22 a.m. – Kevin Heintz, 34, of Myrtle Creek, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, Main St./9th Ave.
10:20 a.m. – Larry Dean Bergstrom, 60, arrested after he turned himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited and released.
11:46 a.m. – Landon Gregory Godell, 19, arrested for violation of no-contact order, and Linn County warrant in disorderly conduct case. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
12:25 p.m. – Brent Anthony Prather, 37, arrested on LCJC warrant in trespass case, 1900 block Main St. Cited and released.
1:21 p.m. – Caller reported that tools were stolen from his vehicle in 1000 block Nandina St. Officer responded. Report taken for theft I. Reported missing were a Milwaukee impact gun, Milwaukee angle grinder, quarter- half- and three-quarter-inch drive sets, miscellaneous tools, and two blue Napa bags. Approximate value $1,110.
3:38 p.m. – Ronda Diane Barton, 71, cited for speeding, 88/55, no operator’s license, Hwy. 20, Milepost 17.
4:35 p.m. – Joseph Gene Salley, 52, arrested on LMC warrant for FTA in a driving while suspended case.1000 block 18th Ave. Cited and released.
7:42 p.m. – Deputy issued warnings for illegal camping, 49900-51200 blocks Quartzville Rd., Old Hufford Dr., 50400 block Hwy. 20, Cascadia (Moose Mountain).
8:14 p.m. – Steven Lee Ballweber arrested on SHMC for FTA in hit and run case, AMC warrant for contempt of court, LCJC warrant in criminal trespass case. Long St./15th Ave. Cited and released.
9:48 p.m. – Wyatt Lynn Alan Vaughan arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in DUII case, AMC warrant for contempt of court, Main St./Clark Mill Rd. Cited and released.
May 23
12:36 a.m. – Domestic disturbance reported in 28500 block Liberty Rd. After investigation, information forwarded to District Attorney’s Office for review.
8:16 a.m. – Alicia Kathleen Martinez, 41, arrested for contempt of court in violation of no-contact order case, 3000 block Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
10:00 a.m. – Citizen reported two vehicles as stolen from 27900 block Pleasant Valley Rd., but investigation determined vehicles had been moved by property owner’s son “for legitimate reasons,” according to LCSO.
12:15 p.m. – Caller reported juveniles climbing into rafters at Weddle Bridge, 877 14th Ave. Officer responded, contacted juveniles, who were referred to school administrators for discipline.
1:38 p.m. – Mally Darnell, 23, of Lebanon, cited for speeding, Hwy. 20/Country Lane.
2:59 p.m. – Dog bite reported in 43700 block Wiley Creek Dr. According to LCSO, dog was a 3-year-old pitbull mix that was tethered on the property. The dog was described as temperamental, and bit the juvenile victim in the hand as they walked by. The dog then started biting the juvenile on the leg, before others ran over. The dog was put down by the owner before deputies arrived on scene. The juvenile was taken by a family member to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital for treatment of hand injuries.
6:20 p.m. – Crash reported in 44200 block North River Dr.
8:33 p.m. – Samantha Leann Stotz, 33, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, 2400 block Main St. Cited and released.
9:30 p.m. – Multiple illegal camps located in 48800, 50100 blocks Quartzville Rd.
11:24 p.m. – Ryan Anthony Shelton, 32, arrested on Linn County warrant for FTC in DUIII case, Wiley Creek Dr./Locust St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
11:57 p.m. – Tiffany Anne Burks, 44, arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in felon in possession of firearm case, 2400 block Main St. Cited and released.