- 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); 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).
May 4
1:11 a.m. – Miekel Victor cited for driving uninsured, 4400 block Main St.
12:30 p.m. – Individual turned in two Social Security cards at Police Station, which had been found at Friends of the Library Bookstore, 1200 block Long St.
3:02 p.m. – Ammarie Taylor Martin, 24, of Sweet Home, arrested for DUII, reckless driving and failure to perform duties of a driver with property damage, as well as two warrants, after OSP received a report that a black Chrysler van traveling eastbound on Hwy. 228 was unable to maintain lane and swerving. A second caller reported that the vehicle had run off the road, then got back on the highway. Witnesses reported that the van had pulled over at Holley Market. An OSP officer contacted Martin, who consented to field sobriety tests, which resulted in her arrest. She was transported to SHPD, where she allegedly provided a breath test of .15% BAC. Martin was transported to Linn County Jail.
4:48 p.m. – Callers reported two pitbulls and a rottweiler in 1100 block 2nd Ave., running up and down street and reportedly trying to attack people. SHPD responded, dogs placed in kennel at SHPD.
9:57 p.m. – Stephanie Irene Starkweather, 37, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
10:30 p.m. – Shawn Romay Wixon, 65, arrested following traffic stop on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, and Linn County supervisory warrant for FTC in theft case, 4100 block Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
10:43 a.m. – Burglary reported in 29400 block Peoria Rd., Halsey. According to LCSO, renters had recently been evicted from property and four yurts, stored in a barn, were missing. Total value about $12,000. Investigation continuing. Report taken.
11:48 p.m. – Josette Aduste Miller, 30, arrested on SHMC warrant for probation violation in driving while suspended case. Miller was also cited for driving while suspended, 3900 block Main St. Cited and released.
May 3
8:17 a.m. – Citizen complained to LCSO about use of metal detectors in Pioneer Park, 200 Pioneer Park Rd., Brownsville. Information documented in the event it “becomes a bigger issue.”
9:23 a.m. – Caller reported people parking on Harding Court, blocking mailboxes. Officer responded, informed caller that it was not illegal to park in front of mailboxes. Caller blamed Democrats. Officer ended contact.
12:41 p.m. – LCSO and OSP responded to the intersection of Hwy. 228 and 3rd Street, Crawfordsville, to crash involving female who was riding a pitbike along Hwy. 228 when “equipment failure” occurred and she was struck by a passing vehicle. The operator of the pit bike, identified by OSP as Laryssa N. Anderson, 29, of Lebanon, was “unlawfully” westbound on the highway when she decided to pull off the roadway to turn around. A westbound silver Toyota, driven by John Harold Marble, 68, of Brownsville, continued westbound and was struck by the pit bike after, according to OSP, Anderson lost control and swerved back onto the highway. According to LCSO, she was transported to River Bend Medical Facility. Marble was able to drive away.
1:36 p.m. – Sheri Yvonne Bower, 52, arrested for disorderly conduct, offensive littering, 1400 block 24th Ave. Bower had been warned half an hour earlier at that location to take her tent down and pick up her mess or she would be arrested for littering. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
2:06 p.m. – Caller reported 1-year-old locked in car after being placed in car seat and door shut, locking child inside with the keys. A deputy responded and was able to assist in opening the door without any issues.
3:23 p.m. – Officer spotted trailer on fire as it was being towed, 30100 block Hwy. 20. Assisted at scene until OSP arrived.
5:26 p.m. – Caller reported shots fired, 1800 block Ulex St. Officer responded, contacted residents who agreed to stop lighting off fireworks.
5:33 p.m. – Kathy Lou Hodgson, 62, arrested for theft II after report from Safeway that female had tried to steal entire cart full of groceries, 1540 Main St. Cited and released.
8:17 p.m. – Police responded to a report of criminal mischief involving potential bias-related graffiti on a child’s toy at a residence on Quince Street. The responding officer documented the evidence, interviewed the complainant, and canvassed the area for potential witnesses or surveillance footage. Due to limited investigative leads and the potential involvement of very young individuals, the case has been suspended, pending new information, according to SHPD. The incident is being documented in accordance with Oregon’s bias crime reporting guidelines and departmental policy.
9:13 p.m. – Jack Edward Counts II, 36, arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTA in fraudulent use of credit card case. Cited to appear May 28.
9:22 p.m. – Caller reported that female had slashed two of her tires, 1300 block Poplar St. Officer responded, report taken for domestic violence-menacing, menacing, assault IV, unlawful use of weapon and criminal misconduct II. Damage estimated at $300. According to SHPD, due to conflicting statements, case was referred to District Attorney’s Office for review of charges.
May 2
2:27 a.m. – Robert Clyde Lott, 64, arrested on LMC warrant for FTA in criminal citation case, 900 block Long St. Cited and released.
4:08 a.m. – Justin Lee Walker, 37, arrested by Corvallis police on SHMC warrant for FTA in two trespass cases, Cited to appear May 28.
9:00 a.m. – Benjamin Philip Hyatt arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTA in trespass case. Cited to appear May 28.
9:03 a.m. – Miguel Alfredo Gutierrez arrested by Cottage Grove police on SHMC warrant for FTC in giving false information case. Cited to appear May 28.
9:32 a.m. – Caller reported large group of juveniles in area near river, 1700 block 9th Ave., and was concerned that they should be in school. Officer responded and juveniles left area upon his arrival. Officer was able to identify some of them and advised school.
10:30 a.m. – Bryan James Watts arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in a failure to appear case. Cited to appear May 28.
10:52 a.m. – Caller asked for extra attention to area of 1100 block W. 2nd St., Halsey. Reported that individuals were trespassing, though not causing damage or taking items and that wire was going to be inserted in culverts in that location.
11:35 a.m. – Caller reported neighbor cutting portion of his tree that was hanging over neighbor’s yard. Officer responded, advised caller that what was happening was legal. 4600 block Kalmia St.
2:41 p.m. – Gregory Allen Tibbs arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
6:01 p.m. – LCSO reported crash in which male reportedly hit tree and light pole in front of 1099 Long St., then sped off. Officer responded. Report taken for hit and run. Suspect vehicle described as a dark-colored Dodge Ram pickup with a decal on it. Witnesses described the driver as a white male in his 50s or 60s with short, buzzed hair. The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on Long Street. Collision damaged utility pole support cable and ground anchor, a small tree, which was knocked over, and a two-hour parking road sign, which was bent and displaced. Investigation continuing.
6:08 p.m. – Caller reported she “tapped” stop sign at 40th Ave./Laurel Court and it fell over. Caller said she was able to set it back up, but suggested it needed attention. Officer to check situation.
10:39 p.m. – Caller reported someone stole his backpack after he left it in location in 2800 block Juniper St. Loss valued at $330. Officer responded. Report taken for theft II.
May 1
1:26 a.m. – Citizen reported bear sighting in area of Hwy. 228/Upper Calapooia Dr.
8:09 a.m. – Daniel Bernacel arrested on Albany Municipal Court warrant for FTA in disorderly conduct case, Benton County Circuit Court warrant for FTA in disorderly conduct case, 1400 block 24th Ave. Cited and released.
11:06 a.m. – Thomas James Hermans, 69, of Lebanon, cited for speeding, 44/25, Main St./Hausman Ave., Brownsville.
12:27 p.m. – SHPD conducted death investigation in 1200 block 41st Ave. Report taken.
1:12 p.m. – Caller reported someone crashed into railroad crossing gate a Pleasant Valley crossing. Officer responded, report taken.
1:49 p.m. – LCSO tagged trailer as abandoned, 51100 block Quartzville Rd.
2:47 p.m. – Caller reported she was scammed out of more than $4,000. Officer responded, determined it was online scam. Caller advised of options. 1800 block Ames Creek Rd.
3:17 p.m. – Jordan Nicole Moore arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in fraudulent use of credit card case, cited to appear May 28.
4:34 p.m. Darrell Gene Mullenix arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrants for FTA in five trespass cases, FTA in criminal mischief case, FTA in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
6:44 p.m. – Marcus Wesley Hesson, 53, arrested for domestic violence-assault IV and resisting arrest, and on SHMC warrant for FTA in resisting arrest case and Albany Municipal Court warrant for FTA in harassment case. Arrest occurred after police responded to report from caller that her brother was throwing things at her, 300 block W. Holley Rd. Hesson lodged at Linn County Jail.
April 30
2:40 a.m. – Loa Ann Louise Branton, 35, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, Long St./12th Ave.
8:26 a.m. – Caller reported his daughter used his credit card and he now has multiple charges on Amazon that are not his, 1500 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for fraudulent use of credit card.
9:14 a.m. – Kevin Lee Heccht, 61, arrested for possession of controlled substance – meth, Lane County warrant for probation violation-weapons use. 1400 block 24th Ave. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
11:56 a.m. – Caller reported dog chased her and her horse in 4300 block Long St. Officer to attempt to contact owner.
12:56 p.m. – Caller reported someone stealing water in 900 block 1st Ave. Officer responded. Report taken for theft of services. Investigation continuing.
1:34 p.m. – Jacob Anthony Gulick, 31, arrested after turning himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on Philomath Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in theft case, Deschutes County warrant for failure to appear in DUII case. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
2:09 p.m. – Caller reported illegal radio station in 5500 block Nandina St. Officer responded, contacted male who did not want to cooperate.
2:13 p.m. – Katherine Marie Berghoffer, 44, arrested by Corvallis police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
3:29 p.m. – Elizabeth Johnson, 25, of Albany, cited for outstanding warrant, driving while suspended, failure to register vehicle and driving uninsured, Main St./Park Ave., Brownsville.
6:08 p.m. – Caller reported juveniles riding four-wheelers, doing burnouts, without helmets in 1500 block Tamarack St. Officer responded, contacted single juvenile who turned off four-wheeler and took it home.
7:51 p.m. – Alicia Kathleen Martinez, 41, arrested for assault IV, harassment, after caller reported cousin was fighting with her, her 15-year-old son and her significant other in 900 block 23rd Ave. Cited and released.
9:21 p.m. – Christian Michael Rodgers, 30, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
11:05 p.m. – Brenna Rae Candler, 44, arrested on Linn County supervisory warrant for FTC in trespass case, 1300 block 40th Ave. Released.
April 29
11:35 a.m. – Crash reported in area of Old Holley Rd./Pickett Lane. According to LCSO, Mark Glender, 63, of Sweet Home, was driving a Chevy Malibu when a deer ran across the road, and Glender swerved to avoid a crash. The car left the road but did not hit anything and wasn’t damaged. Deer tracks in the dirt at the scene corroborated Glender’s description of the incident.
11:43 a.m. – Theft reported in 1300 block Main St. Black and red electric bike, valued at $650, was stolen from behind the Sweet Home Liquor Store. Report taken for theft II.
12:18 p.m. – Kyle Alexander Richards, 31, arrested by LCSO on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear May 28.
12:52 p.m. – Larry Dean Bergstrom arrested, after he turned himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited and released.
1:01 p.m. – Caller reported witnessing someone burning a blanket used as a gate. Stated he believed it was an alien or Sasquatch. Main St./53rd Ave. Officer responded. Information noted.
2:33 p.m. – Caller reported someone driving slowly down 8th Ave., asking for cans. Officer responded. Female trespassed from location.
5:07 p.m. – Paul William Kalina, 49, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft of services case, LMC warrant for probation violation in theft case, Albany Municipal Court warrant for FTC in contempt of court case. 1400 block Nandina. Cited and released.
6:26 p.m. – Caller reported male stole items out of her vehicle in 800 block Main St. Officer responded. Information noted.
6:41 p.m. – Caller reported that individuals who had lived in 1200 block 44th Ave. left five cats behind under a neighbor’s trailer. Officer responded, report taken for six counts of animal abandonment.
7:06 p.m. – Caller reported she could not get the charger to work on her car and asked for assistance. Officer responded to area of Long St./10th Ave., assisted her.
7:16 p.m. – Caller reported renters broke multiple items and stole cleaning supplies from home in 1200 block Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft II, criminal mischief. Will be forwarded to DA’s Office.
9:49 p.m. – Caller reported assault between juveniles. Minor injuries. Investigation ongoing. 30100 block Crook Dr., Halsey.
11:04 p.m. – Ricky Dale Becknal, 65, arrested on LCJC warrant for probation violation in contempt case. 4400 block Main St. Cited and released.
April 28
7:34 a.m. – Caller reported seven chainsaws stolen from 800 block W. Bishop Way, Brownsville, within past 48 hours. Description of missing items not available. Total value $1,200. Investigation continuing. Report taken.
8:33 a.m. – Johnny Lee Stone, 32, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrants for FTC in initiating a false report case and FTA in trespassing case. Cited to appear May 28.
11:54 a.m. – Paul Edward Hilburn, 62, arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in trespass case after turning himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St. Cited and released.
1:05 p.m. – David Thomas Forrest, 41, arrested for sex abuse I at SHPD, 1950 Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
1:22 p.m. – Russell James Shanks arrested on Albany police warrant for domestic harassment, 800 block Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
2:32 p.m. – Shawn Stanley Pruitt arrested after turning himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTA in criminal driving case. Cited and released.
5:38 p.m. – Lisa Marlana Rivers, 53, cited for driving while suspended, failure to install ignition interlock device, Main St./60th Ave. License seized.
6:51 p.m. – Brian Scott Holden arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, 1980 Main St. Cited and released.
7:14 p.m. – Gilbert Alonzo Martinez arrested on LCCC warrant for probation violation in possession of meth case, 4500 block Main St. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
11:35 p.m. – Shawn Wayne Ficken, 78, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured. 1200 block 47th Ave.
11:43 p.m. – Rhonda Rae Sparks, 39, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in trespassing case. Cited to appear May 28.