- 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).
July 22
2:06 a.m. – Deputy assisted driver in getting back to Sunnyside Campground after “slight crash” in area of Hwy. 20/Quartzville Rd. According to OSP, Jason Eric Joshua Owens, 21, of Eugene, failed to stop for stop sign and struck earthen embankment on south side of highway. OSP was notified later in the day.
9:11 a.m. – Deputies investigated report of violation of restraining order in 28500 block Liberty Rd. Investigation, prompted by sent friend request on Facebook, is ongoing. Report taken.
11:24 a.m. – Amanda Brown, 34, of Albany, cited on AMC warrant. Nathan Brown, 50, of Albany, arrested on LCCC warrant relating to failure to perform community service, cited on multiple AMC and LMC warrants. Nathan Brown lodged at Linn County Jail. 45000 block Quartzville Rd. Report taken.
12:03 p.m. – Wendi Clark, 53, of Sweet Home, arrested on AMC warrant for contempt of court, cited for no operator’s license, 43400 block Marks Ridge Dr. Report taken.
12:58 p.m. – Shawn Baker, 54, of Springfield; Brian Franklin, 48, of Vida; and Randy Denoes, 60, of Eugene, arrested for theft of forest products, 26400 block Scott Mountain Rd. Suspects were allegedly harvesting rare rocks on Cascade Timber Consulting property without permission. Report taken.
12:59 p.m. – Criminal activity reported at campsites in 51300 block Quartzville Rd., including littering violations and illegal camping. Deputy made multiple connections to deal with issues.
3:52 p.m. – Camper reported fishing gear stolen from campsite in 51100 block Quartzville Rd. Report taken.
4:15 p.m. – Four-vehicle crash reported near Hwy. 20/Gore Rd. According to OSP, Toyota SQA driven by Jacquelynn Rochelle Breshears, 18, of Lebanon, was following too closely, resulting in three other vehicles being involved in chain-reaction rear-end crash. They were Arvel Ash, 66, of Sweet Home, driving a Ford RNG, Tomas Tyler Beer, 30, of Albuquerque, driving a Fiat 500, and Crimson Ring, 18, of Sweet Home driving a Nissan CTR. Breshears cited for following too closely. Two vehicles towed.
4:30 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle crashed into her two parked vehicles in area of Long St./23rd Ave. Operator identified as Nathan Olson. Report taken for damage over $2,500. No citations issued.
5:18 p.m – Amanda Kizer, 37, of Sweet Home, cited for driving while suspended, improper display of registration stickers, 48300 block Quartzville Rd.
5:29 p.m. – Caller reported harassment by ex-husband in 51200 block Quartzville Rd. LCSO investigation determined harasser was the ex-wife. Report taken.
10:25 p.m. – Nathan Brown, 50, of Albany, arrested for theft II after investigation determined he stole camp items from camping area in 49700 block Quartzville Rd. Brown was already lodged at Linn County Jail on unrelated warrants (see above).
July 21
12:12 a.m. – Buzz Star Dodson Jr. arrested for driving while suspended and on contempt of court warrant, 2400 block Main St. According to SHPD, the contempt of court was in relation to an incident that occurred July 16, in which Dodson was accused of strangling a victim and allegedly violated a no-contact order issued by the court from a previous case. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
9:40 a.m. – Amanda Leah Binks, 32, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for failure to appear in theft case. Cited to appear July 9.
9:42 a.m. – Jered Douglas Roebuck, 28, arrested on LMC warrant for probation violation, 1500 block Main St. Cited and released.
10:14 a.m. – Caller reported receiving fraudulent $100 bill at Hilltop Market, 4824 Main St. Officer responded, report taken.
1:01 p.m. – Wade Dillon Harden, 32, arrested for unlawful possession of controlled substance and on LCCC warrants in robbery and theft cases, LCJC warrant in providing false information to police officer case, after caller reported male had twice come into Mr. Lucky’s Deli, 1207 Long St., who was not supposed to be at that location. Harden trespassed, cited and released.
2:34 p.m. – LCSO assisted Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District personnel with car fire in Urgent Care parking lot at Mountain Fir St./49th Ave.
5:42 p.m. – Lucan Eric Hernandez arrested on Salem Municipal Court warrant for FTA in failure to carry and present case, 8th Ave./Dogwood St. Cited and released.
6:11 p.m. – Regina Marie Frier, 54, cited for placing of an offensive substance after caller reported female urinating behind building in 1100 block Main St.
9:31 p.m. – Rodrigo Alejandre Cervantes, 32, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case.
11:05 p.m. – Caller reported driver hit guard rail, repeatedly braking and appeared confused, Hwy. 228 Milepost 20. Officer responded, report taken for vehicle crash with damage over $2,500. Police determined driver Henry Refo showed no signs of impairment. Driver evaluation submitted to DMV.
July 20
8:11 a.m. – William Lee Phillips, 42, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, AMC warrant for FTA in trespassing case, and LCCC warrant for probation violation in criminal misconduct case, after caller reported male sleeping next to apartment office in 1200 block 23rd Ave. Cited and released.
11:43 a.m. – Kaitlin Chandra Lagene Lay, 29, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in endangering welfare of a child case, 12th Ave./Nandina St. Cited and released.
11:57 a.m. – Truck driver cited for failure to obey a traffic device and careless driving in 1300 block 12th Ave. Driver was from Canada, but was not identified in log.
1:20 p.m. – Suzanne Stroud, 65, of Lebanon, arrested for harassment, four counts of attempted assault on a public safety officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct II following report of disturbance at River Bend Campground in 45900 block Hwy. 20. According to LCSO, Stroud had started a disturbance, yelling at a park ranger. She then pushed the park ranger and subsequently was arrested. During the arrest she allegedly kicked at every deputy involved multiple times. Report taken.
1:22 p.m. – Samantha Jane Arnold, 35, arrested for theft III after caller reported female allegedly stealing beer from Thriftway, 621 Main St. Trespassed from location, cited and released.
2:55 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle hit in parking lot at Safeway, 1540 Main St., previous day.
3:40 p.m. – Jay Boyd Marsh, 60, arrested at Linn County Jail on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear July 23.
3:45 p.m. – Cody Michael Lobdell, 29, arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear July 9.
3:52 p.m. – Ulexis Marie Cloonan, 24, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in trespassing case. Cited to appear July 9.
5:16 p.m. – Peggy Sue Pitts, 37, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, in 32– block Main St.
5:17 p.m. – Caller reported male had her Tupperware and was refusing to return it. Officer responded, situation was resolved. 3000 block Main St.
6:15 p.m. – Caller complained about speeding and drivers running stop signs at intersection of Depot Ave. and Pebble St., Brownsville. Extra patrol to be conducted as time allows.
7:43 p.m. – Vawna Young, 35, of Lebanon, and Bill Blanchat, 45, of Albany, arrested for public indecency in 35400 block Washburn Heights Dr. after allegedly engaging in visible sexual activity in and on their vehicle in view of multiple other people, according to LCSO. Report taken.
7:43 p.m. – Caller reported they were scammed out of approximately $3,000. 1800 block Elm St. Officer responded. According to SHPD, the victim was scammed after a caller, identifying himself as a Linn County Sheriff’s deputy over the phone, convinced the victim that he had a fail to appear warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. Report taken for theft I.
8:42 p.m. – Ashley Dawn Fagan, 34, of Lebanon, arrested after OSP trooper pulled her over for equipment violation. Records check indicated she had a statewide felony warrant and unspecified municipal court warrant. Fagan also cited for driving while suspended and driving uninsured. Lodged at Linn County Jail. Family member recovered vehicle.
9:44 p.m. – Billy Joe Richardson arrested on LCJC warrant for probation violation, LMC warrant for probation violation, 22nd Ave./Main St. Cited and released.
July 19
2:53 a.m. – Adam David Knight, 41, cited for driving uninsured, 2000 block Main St.
7:03 a.m. – Amanda Bellamy, 36, of Harrisburg, cited for speeding, 87/55, Hwy. 99/Lake Creek Dr.. Halsey.
10:28 a.m. – Business owner had questions about trespassing on real property adjacent to caller’s in 25000 block Springer Rd. Real property is in probate as both previous owners are deceased. Neighbor was encouraged by LCSO to consult an attorney who specializes in land use law.
1:25 p.m. – Code enforcement reported roosters appearing to be abandoned at Wiley Park, 1900 block 53rd Ave. Officer responded, determined animals probably had not been dumped and had likely wandered into park. Roosters transported to City Hall until rescue could be contacted.
2:42 p.m. – Disturbance over “historical civil issue” reported in 33100 block Hwy. 228, Halsey. One party allegedly damaged turn signal on another vehicle. Vehicle owner did not wish to pursue charges.
7:41 p.m. – Lily Fern Keeney, 24, of Sweet Home, arrested following fight in middle of Hwy. 20 at 15th Ave. According to OSP, trooper driving westbound through Sweet Home spotted two women fighting in middle of the highway. Investigation indicated that one of the women, Keeney, had exited her car to confront the other, identified as Desarae Josephine Fulbright, 25, who was walking down the sidewalk and the fight occurred. Keeney charged with assault IV and disorderly conduct II. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
8:35 p.m. – Landon Frank Gerard, 49, cited on three counts of dog as public nuisance. Caller reported aggressive dog in neighbor’s yard, 1600 block Tamarack St. Officer responded, located dog and determined where it lived, returned dog to owner.
July 18
8:04 a.m. – Ashley Alexis Moore, 34, cited for using mobile device while operating vehicle, 1100 block Long St.
9:10 a.m. – Christopher Michael Lindner, 52, arrested on AMC warrant for FTC in contempt of court case, LMC warrant for FTA in driving while suspended case, 1300 block Long St. Cited and released.
10:44 a.m. – Deputies investigated suspicious fire in area of Wiley Creek/Whiskey Creek drives. Private timberland. This was an ODF smoke report. Fire crews located a stump on fire that was human-caused. Investigation ongoing.
11:04 a.m. – Caller reported items stolen during their weekend camping trip at Sunnyside Park, 44900 block Quartzville Rd. Fly rod, trout fishing pole, two chairs, and a double-headed axe were taken from a campsite. The victim asked for extra patrols in the area.
1:44 p.m. – Sean Ever Robinson, 41, arrested for criminal mischief II after female reported that she had just fled from abusive relationship and male had been looking for her. Robinson also arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in assault case. 2200 block Main St. Cited and released.
3:01 p.m. – Thomas Joseph Lee Burke, 46, arrested by Cottage Grove police on SHMC warrant for FTA in telephonic harassment case. Cited to appear July 9.
4:34 p.m. – Crash reported near Milepost 2 on Hwy. 228, Halsey. According to OSP, a Mazda driven by James Leroy Hostetler, 78, of Brownsville, rear-ended a Toyota driven by Kezia Faith Rasmussen, 30, of Milwaukie, as the Toyota was attempting to make a left-hand turn into a parking lot. Hostetler cited for speeding – too fast for conditions. Both vehicles towed. Report taken.
5:57 p.m. – Caller reported her purse stolen from Northside Park. Officer responded, report taken for theft I. Estimated value $4,000.
9:47 p.m. – Tara Sue Wilbur, 28, arrested after she turned herself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft of services case. Cited and released.
9:59 p.m. – Caller reported purse stolen from inside car parked in 1200 block Long St. Officer responded, report taken for unauthorized entry into motor vehicle, theft I.
11:15 p.m. – Morgan Lee Belcher arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTAC in theft case. Cited to appear July 9.
11:21 p.m. – Marick Allen Tyree Best arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTC in harassment case. Cited to appear July 9.
July 17
12:34 a.m. – Breaunna Danielle Powell arrested by OSP on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear July 9.
6:32 a.m. – Crash reported in 1600 block Long St. Officer responded. Driver Janice Neilson was attempting to park at community pool and accelerated forward, striking parking sign and building. She was transported by medics. Vehicle towed.
7:05 a.m. – Rodney Brett Shiflett, 54, arrested on AMC warrant in trespassing case, Clover Park, 1400 block 1st Ave. Cited and released.
8:20 a.m. – Caller reported four juveniles taking turns running across Main St. near 24th Ave. Officer responded, contacted juveniles, who said they were “just crossing.” Officer counseled them and told them to use better judgment.
9:31 a.m. – Hailee Clark, 19, of Lebanon, and Hope Hodge, 20, of Lebanon, arrested for assault III, 2400 block Foster Dam Rd. According to LCSO, this was a verbal argument that turned physical. No serious injuries.
12:04 p.m. – Crash reported in parking lot near Hwy. 228/Courtney Creek Dr., Crawfordsville. Motorcycle. Non-injury, non-report.
2:17 p.m. – Crash reported in area of 1st St./Hwy. 228, Halsey. Driver was Greg Wilbur of Greg Wilbur Trucking. He told LCSO the railroad crossing arm came down on top of his truck as he passed. Non-injury.
5:51 p.m. – Kyle Dawayne Roebuck, 30, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in trespass case, 1540 Main St. Cited and released in field due to medical condition.
7:06 p.m. – Anthony Williams Jr., 23, of Brownsville, arrested for criminal mischief II and parole violation following report of domestic disturbance in 200 block W. Blakely Ave., Brownsville. According to LCSO, two adult brothers were verbally fighting, when one took and broke the headphones of the other. Report taken.
7:28 p.m. – Chase Lee Davis, 33, arrested on LMC warrant for probation violation, Oregon State Parole Board warrant for probation violation, 3500 block Long St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
July 16
12:58 a.m. – Caller reported disturbance in 1500 block Tamarack. Male party had left area. Officer responded, report taken for assault IV.
7:55 a.m. – Katilyn Rae Carpenter, 26, arrested on LMC warrant for FTC in criminal citation, LCCC warrant for probation violation in possession of controlled substance – meth and – buprenorphine cases, 3100 block Main St. Cited and released.
12:13 p.m. – Brien Cockrell, 50, of Sweet Home, arrested on LCCC warrant. 44600 block Hwy. 20. Cited and released. Report taken.
3:26 p.m. – Gilbert Alonzo Martinez arrested by Albany police on SH warrant for FTA in disorderly conduct case.
3:36 p.m. – Caller reported bicycle stolen off front porch in 1100 Juniper St. Approximate value $300. Report taken.
3:44 p.m. – Brian Maxwell, 40, of Sweet Home, cited for failure to maintain lane after, according to LCSO, deputy observed Maxwell’s vehicle leave roadway in 36700 block Hwy. 228 and crash into guide post.
4:31 p.m. – Michael Scott Delay arrested on Albany police warrant, 18th Ave./Tamarack St. Cited and released.
5:35 p.m. – Driver, not identified prior to press time, cited for failure to obey traffic control device, Lake Creek Dr./Hwy. 99.
7:25 p.m. – Caller reported that male who had just gotten out of jail came to location in 3100 block Main St., strangled and assaulted her, and also assaulted male who attempted to assist her. An investigating officer did not find probable cause to arrest for strangulation. (See June 21 listings for update on this case).
8:30 p.m. – Caller reported that while he was at work in 1500 block Main St., his electric bike was stolen. Missing bike described as black ZDZA brand electric bike. Value $400. Report taken.
10:49 p.m. – Caller reported that female had been inside portable toilet at 1950 Main St. for more than hour. Officer responded, contacted male and female and advised them to exit portable toilet.
June 15
12:51 a.m. – Stephanie Nies cited for driving uninsured, failure to maintain lane, failure to signal, Main St./18th Ave.
7:12 a.m. – Crash reported near Milepost 12 eastbound on Hwy. 228, Crawfordsville. According to OSP, Ford F55 driven by Craig Michael Snyder, 47, of Albany, struck the guardrail and left the roadway, crashing through a fence. When OSP arrived, Snyder was arrested on warrant and cited for unspecified violations. Ford was towed.
12:18 p.m. – Timothy Zimmerman cited for driving while suspended, 2200 block Main St. Driver’s license seized.
3:59 p.m. – Caller reported that a male had strangled her in area of 2200 block Main St. Officer responded, report taken for domestic violence-strangulation and assault IV.
7:52 p.m. – Caller reported male stole chips from Dollar General, 1937 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft III. Estimated value $20.
9:02 p.m. – Traci Gates, 60, of Sweet Home, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 1300 block Main St.
11:13 p.m. – Brian Scott Holden, 49, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, Main St./22nd Ave. Cited and released. Also advised to move van.
11:32 p.m. – Faron Walter Kennedy, 60, arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in theft case, LMC warrant for probation violation in fraudulent use of credit card case, cited for driving while suspended, 7-Eleven parking lot, 2405 Main St. Cited and released.
11:35 p.m. – David Samson cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, failure to maintain lane, east of city limits. Vehicle impounded.
11:57 p.m. – Stephen Scantlin, 52, of Sweet Home, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 1300 block Main St.
June 14
8:48 a.m. – Deputy responded to report of harassment in 26500 block Nye Rd., Brownsville. Two individuals who, according to LCSO, are at odds, were warned and made aware of outcomes should they continue that behavior.
9:21 a.m. – Dilapidated trailer abandoned in area of Wiley Creek/Whiskey Butte drives. Tagged for removal.
11:06 a.m. – Aelisha Adrian Devine, 32, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTA in disorderly conduct case. Cited to appear July 9.
11:06 a.m. – Crash reported in area of Brownsville/Sand Ridge roads, Brownsville. According to LCSO, Jennifer Baker, 48, of Springfield, was driving a Hyundai four-door when she reached for her phone and drove off the road into the ditch. No citations. Baker transported to hospital with possible injuries. Report taken.
12:21 p.m. – Deputy located illegal camp on BLM property, 44900 block Quartzville Rd. Occupants were educated on rules, encouraged to find legal location.
12:26 p.m. – Lori Waldo, 58, of Brownsville, cited for speeding, Seven Mile Lane/Forry Dr., Brownsville.
1:11 p.m. – Caller reported that female stole beer from Main Street Market, 1306 Main St. Report taken. Approximate value $7.20.
1:47 p.m. – Caller reported male shoplifting from BiMart, 1980 Main St., on multiple occasions. Value of missing items $99. Investigation continuing. Report taken.
2:12 p.m. – Craig Snyder, 47, of Crawfordsville, Caitlin McElmurry, 32, of Corvallis, cited by Marine Patrol for no personal flotation devices on Foster Lake. Report taken.
2:30 p.m. – Deputy spotted several illegal camps in 48300 block Quartzville Rd. Occupants obeyed instructions to move along.
3:51 p.m. – Cailin McElmurry, 32, of Corvallis, cited for three warrants from Benton County Circuit Court, 47300 block Quartzville Rd. Report taken.
4:16 p.m. – Caller reported shoplifting that occurred May 30 at BiMart, 1980 Main St. Approximate value $190. Report taken.
4:29 p.m. – Motorist reported what they thought might be capsized canoe in Foster Lake while passing at “highway speeds,” according to LCSO. Marine deputies checked area, unable to locate anyone in distress.
4:59 p.m. – Illegal camp located in 48300 block Quartzville Rd. on Campbell-Global Timber property. Campers told to move to legal spot.
6:34 p.m. – Following traffic complaint in 700 block W. S. 5th St., Halsey, deputy asked family members to confine their dirt bike riding to their own property.
8:17 p.m. – Samantha Leann Stotz, 33, arrested after she turned herself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited and released.
9:57 p.m. – Threats reported in 200 block W. Blakely Ave., Brownsville. According to LCSO, two intoxicated, adult siblings were upset after gambling issue. Deputies contacted individuals, who agreed to go to bed for the night and possibly seek assistance for gambling and alcohol addiction.
10:49 p.m. – Deputy responded to individual experiencing mental health crisis in 1200 block Linn Way, Brownsville. Individual was transported to facility for care.
June 13
12:02 a.m. – Fight reported in 35400 block Washburn Heights Dr., Brownsville. According to LCSO, this was a physical fight between four people. The suspects left the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
8:33 a.m. – LCSO conducted death investigation in 26600 block Old Holley Rd. Report taken.
5:03 p.m. – Deputies investigated illegal camp on shore of Green Peter Reservoir, 47600 block Quartzville Rd.
7:17 p.m. – Deputy warned individual about camping in 43700 block North River Dr., where camping is prohibited.
8:09 p.m. – Trespasser reported in 500 block Locust Ave., Brownsville. According to LCSO, The juvenile from Junction City crossed multiple No Trespassing signs to fish on property owned by the victim. Deputy located juvenile who was referred to Linn County Juvenile Department for criminal trespass II.
8:26 p.m. – Deputy conducted surveillance in 43400 block Ames Creek Rd. after reports on two previous nights that someone was possibly shooting from a vehicle. No suspicious activity observed.