- 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. 2
1:44 a.m. – Katherine Berghoffer, 44, arrested by Roseburg police on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
2:12 a.m. – Caller reported male screaming loudly in 1300 block Quince St. Officer responded, contacted male, who was upset about a friend who used to live in the area. He agreed to calm down and return to his lodging.
3:11 a.m. – Kyelar Michael Rodney Kidd, 22, arrested for strangulation after investigation that included Springfield police. According to SHPD, Springfield police responded at approximately 1:44 a.m. on Nov. 2 to a disturbance involving Kidd and Emily Clark, 21. While investigating the disturbance in Springfield, they learned of an incident that occurred between the two while they were visiting in Sweet Home on or about Sept. 20 at 3137 Main St.. Probable cause was developed, and Kidd was taken into custody for domestic violence-strangulation.SHPD took over the investigation and Kidd was lodged at Linn County Jail on the charge of domestic violence-strangulation.
7:27 a.m. – SHPD conducted death investigation at Wiley Creek Community, 5050 Mountain Fir St. Report taken.
9:06 a.m. – Trailer containing trash left in 46600 block Old Hufford Dr. due to trailer malfunction. Responsible party contacted deputy and will be moving trailer.
11:26 a.m. – Neighbor’s dog came to visit deputy on patrol in 46200 block Old Hufford Dr. Owner arrived to collect dog.
11:58 a.m. – Deputy located vehicle parked in front of gate, partially blocking gate in 44700 block Old Hufford Dr. Deputy left message for owner to move vehicle.
12:49 p.m. – Caller reported theft in 900 block 23rd Ave. Officer responded, report taken for theft I. A Samsung phone valued at approximately $1,400 was reported missing.
3:14 p.m. – Deputy responded to call from hiker lost in 49900 block Quartzville Rd. Deputy located hiker, assisted her back.
4:53 p.m. – Aron Van Dijk, 42, of Sweet Home, cited on outstanding warrant, 49700 block Quartzville Rd. Report taken.
5:15 p.m. – Caller reported they were rear-ended in area of Main St./15th Ave., followed the offending vehicle to Bi-Mart, 1980 Main St. Officer responded, report taken for damage under $2,500. Parties agreed to have insurance companies handle situation.
6:13 p.m. – LCSO responded to altercation between father and son in 25100 block Little Valley Lane, Brownsville. Alcohol and word choice appeared to have contributed to disturbance. Family members indicated they could work the issue out without law enforcement assistance.
Nov. 1
5:36 a.m. – Caller reported ex-boyfriend stole her EBT card, pushed her down and maced her. Second caller reported female came to his house, 100 block Holley Rd., hit him and he had to mace her. Officer responded, parties decided they could handle the matter civilly and declined to pursue charges.
9:40 a.m. – Hunters reported finding clothes in woods on Cascade Timber Consulting property in 45200 block Sunnyside Rd.
10:03 a.m. – Fraud reported in 34800 block Lake Creek Dr., Brownsville. Report taken.
11:30 a.m. – Deputy located male who was illegally camping on BLM property in 49700 block Quartzville Rd. He was warned.
12:39 p.m. – Male hunting on Giustina Resources/Weyerhaeuser property in 42100 block Upper Calapooia Dr., got lost and called for help. Deputy located him and gave him a ride to his vehicle.
1:07 p.m. – Christopher Berrarras, 45, of Sweet Home, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 600 block Main St.
1:52 p.m. – Caller reported older gray Jeep, with two flat tires, parked in front of Advanced Family Eye Care, 2245 Long St., for weeks and that male was rummaging through vehicle. Officer responded, contacted male, who stated he was trying to get the vehicle operational. He was advised it would be posted after 5 p.m.
3:38 p.m. – Caller reported male trying to break into neighbor’s car. When confronted, male said it was his sister’s car, but car owners denied any relationship. Male then hopped fence and proceeded toward 7-Eleven. Officer located male, determined he may have been experiencing mental health issues. Caller declined to pursue the matter. Probation officer notified.
5:59 p.m. – Richard Charles Jamison, 70, arrested for hit and run-property damage after multiple callers reported white Subaru hit several vehicles and building at McDonalds, 2000 Main St., then left area. Cited and released.
8:49 p.m. – Caller reported hearing crash in 600 block Main St. Officer responded, located single vehicle that had struck curb. Operator Bordy Olsen warned for reckless driving. Damage to vehicle determined to be under $2,500. No damage to curb.
Oct. 31
8:08 a.m. – Citizen reported at SHPD, 1950 Main St., that his inhaler was stolen. Officer responded, report taken for theft III. Approximate value $35.
10:13 a.m. – Caller reported large group of juveniles assembled at Skate Park, 1990 Long St. Officer responded, juveniles advised to return to school.
11:19 a.m. – Tina Ann Rood, 48, arrested on LMC warrant for FTA in offensive littering case, warned for trespassing on railroad tracks in area of 24th Avenue. Cited and released.
3:56 p.m. – Nickolas Ryan Shoulders, 36, arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear Dec. 10.
4:58 p.m. – Caller reported suspicious male who was stopping children as they walked by in area of 18th Ave./railroad tracks, using their cellphones. Officer responded, contacted male, who was advised to stop talking to random children.
5:53 p.m. – LCSO checked on elderly female on fixed income who is trying to evict her son, 600 block 2nd St., Halsey. According to LCSO, son continues to abuse her mentally and emotionally through verbal and text messages. Son had until Nov. 2 to leave the home, per eviction notice.
6:06 p.m. – Donnie Ray Abbott, 71, arrested at SHPD, 1950 Main St., for hit and run in connection with incident that occurred at 9:07 a.m. at Main St./15th Ave. Cited and released. Also arrested on AMC warrant in harassment case. Cited and released.
9:26 p.m. – Caller reported neighbor playing loud music all day, 700 block Mountain View Rd. Officer responded, contacted female who was warned for noise violation. She turned down music.
Oct. 30
3:36 a.m. – Trevor Joel Brown, 36, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTC in disorderly conduct case. Cited to appear Nov. 12.
9:27 a.m. – Deputy responded to travel trailer parked in right of way in 400 block Hausman Ave., Brownsville, for long period of time. It was tagged for removal.
9:32 a.m. – Cody Allen Bowman arrested on SHMC warrants FTA in trespassing case, two theft cases. Cited to appear Nov. 12. Alleece Rochelle Woods arrested on SHMC warrants for FTA in two trespassing cases, two theft cases. Cited to appear Nov. 12. Woods also arrested on LCCC warrant for FTA in trespassing and criminal citation cases. Cited and released. 3100 block Main St.
9:43 a.m. – Deputy responded to travel trailer parked in right of way in 1000 block Pine St., Brownsville, for over a year. It was tagged for removal.
9:57 a.m. – Caller reported that her nephew had contacted her the previous night, told her he had not had contact with his mother in 21 days. Officer advised caller to contact Lebanon police, as the last known location of missing woman was in Lebanon area.
10:22 a.m. – Joshua Kealohanui Ben Leslie, 37, arrested for criminal trespass II after caller from McCool Millworks, 1744 Main St., reported previously trespassed male at location. Cited and released.
10:37 a.m. – Jake Sorrell, 29, of Sweet Home, cited for driving while suspended, driving without insurance, failure to carry proof of registration. 46100 block Old Hufford Dr.
12:48 p.m. – Deputy contacted multiple camps, both legal and illegal, along Quartzville Rd. Illegal camp on BLM land moved. Male and female campers in 48700 block Quartzville Rd. warned for illegal camping.
12:49 p.m. – State agency conducted law enforcement operations in area of 35300 block Washburn Heights Dr., Brownsville.
2:52 p.m. – In response to citizen complaint, deputy observed intersection in 600 block 5th St., Halsey, for 45 minutes. Minimal traffic, no violations.
3:14 p.m. – Caller from Sweet Home High School reported runaway juvenile had just left the school. Officer responded, located juvenile, who was referred to Juvenile Department.
5:55 p.m. – Caller reported scammer who claimed to exchange “gifts for money.” Gifts were described as being large amounts of U.S. currency. Caller was advised by LCSO of scams and how these phishing messages are used to exploit victims. 38300 block Crawfordsville Dr.
7:12 p.m. – Payten Guggenmos, 18, of Albany, cited for MIP marijuana while operating a motor vehicle, driving while suspended, 100 block NW 2nd St., Halsey. Vehicle towed.
7:13 p.m. – Caller reported possible poaching in area of Quartzville Rd./Old Hufford Dr. OSP advised.
8:04 p.m. – Lui Huiqiang, 44, of Melden, Mass., cited for dangerous left turn, failure to carry proof of insurance, Hwy. 228/Falk Rd., Halsey. Report taken.
9:04 p.m. – Shyanne Nickole Church, 28, arrested for assault IV at SHPD, 1950 Main St., following investigation into incident that occurred Oct. 29 at 6:17 p.m. During a child custody/visitation exchange in the BiMart parking lot, it was reported that Church threw a small pumpkin through an open car window at Carrie Philbrick, 35, striking her in the face. Following an investigation which included reviewing video, Church was arrested on the assault charge. Cited and released.
11:41 p.m. – Michael Malaki Swinger, 34, arrested on Jackson County Circuit Court warrant in trespassing case, Main St./Clark Mill Rd. Cited and released.
Oct. 29
9:37 a.m. – Caller reported neighbors moved RV onto their property in 4900 block Maple Lane and someone was staying in it. Officer responded, determined no violations of city code had taken place.
10:17 a.m. – Caller reported theft of electric scooter during previous night, 1200 block Nandina St. Missing was black Megawheels brand electric scooter, valued at $400. Report taken.
1:02 p.m. – Crash reported in 2800 block Kalmia St. According to SHPD, a 2014 PTRB Garbage truck operated by Nickolas Roberson, 40, owned by Sweet Home Sanitation, was picking up garbage in the neighborhood. After picking up a garbage at can placed on the south side of the intersection, Roberson turned left into a cul-de-sac as 2016 Toyota 4Runner operated by Britney Angulo, 34 of Sweet Home, was passing on the left. The front bumper of the garbage truck crashed into the passenger side rear bumper/quarter panel of the Toyota. Parties exchanged information prior to officer’s arrival. No injuries reported.
1:08 p.m. – Joshua Kealohanui Ben Leslie, 37, arrested for criminal trespass II after caller from Safeway, 1540 Main St., reported male who had been previously trespassed was back at location. Cited and released.
2:07 p.m. – Dog bite reported in 800 block 14th Ave. According to SHPD, a 2-year-old child was bitten on the face. The dog was on a leash, under control, when the child walked up to the dog. Officer responded, dog quarantined.
2:13 p.m. – LCSO and Sweet Home medics responded to report of hunter who fell out of tree stand, but was caught by safety strap. According to SHFAD, the incident commander on scene utilized a folding ladder and the hunter was able to descend down the tree by himself. 50000 block Long Ranch Rd., south of Trout Creek campground in Cascadia. Hunter reported to be OK.
5:33 p.m. – Caller reported constant flow of transients in 1100 block 55th Ave., people trying to move onto her property. Officer responded, advised caller of options.
6:17 p.m. – Officer responded to disturbance in 1900 block Main St. Report taken for assault IV. (See related report at 9:04 p.m. on Oct. 30).
8:32 p.m. – Caller reported transient had fire going inside tent in SHPD parking lot, 1950 Main St. Officer responded, determined male was operating small contained cook stove. Warned male.
11:37 p.m. – Multiple people contacted by deputy in Pioneer Park, 200 block W. Park Ave.,
Brownsville, after hours.
Oct. 28
7:39 a.m. – Theft reported in 42400 block North River Dr. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
7:50 a.m. – Caller from 7-Eleven, 2405 Main St., reported fraudulent use of credit card. Report taken.
8:06 a.m. – Caller reported nearly falling for scam, 28700 block Ridgeway Rd.
10:22 a.m. – Caller reported male in street in 1200 block Long St., yelling profanities and threatening another person. Officer responded, verbal only, parties separated.
11:46 a.m. – Sean Thome, 36, of Sweet Home, cited for cellphone use while driving. Crowell Lane/2nd St., Halsey.
1:41 p.m. – Jessey Tenbusch, 31, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured, 1200 block 23rd Ave.
2:06 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle parked on “no parking” side of Oak Terrace, causing hazard. Officer contacted vehicle owner, who was warned for unlawful parking.
2:31 p.m. – Caller requested female in Winnebago motor home be trespassed from U.S. Forest Service property, 4431 Main St. Officer responded, contacted female, who was trespassed.
2:52 p.m. – Caller reported theft from Thriftway, 621 Main St. OFficer responded, report taken for theft III. Loss valued at $87.71.
3:34 p.m. – Caller reported Camo cart stolen from 2400 block Main St. Officer responded, report taken for theft III. Value $50.
3:51 p.m. – SHPD conducted death investigation in 4400 block Main St. Report taken.
4:15 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle camping on 38th Ave., north of Long St. Officer responded, located two vehicles and advised occupants to stop parking there. They left area.
4:39 p.m. – Caller reported juvenile supposedly being “jumped” at Skate Park, 1990 Long St. Officer responded, determined juvenile was not being “jumped,” but was receiving stern talking-to by friends.
5:13 p.m. – Jimmy Rodger Varner, 58, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case, SHPD, 1950 Main St. Cited to appear Nov. 12.
5:19 p.m. – Caller reported male on her property in 3100 block Main St., holding sleeping bag. Officer responded, male was gone but property was seized. He will be trespassed when located.
5:40 p.m. – Theodore Shinall, 47, of Sweet Home, arrested for failure to register as sex offender, lodged at Linn County Jail. Also cited for driving while suspended, driving without insurance. 30500 block Berlin Rd. Report taken.
Oct. 27
7:46 a.m. – Steven Anthoney Young, 31, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in disorderly conduct case after caller reported unresponsive male in 1200 block Main St. Officer responded, contacted him; he declined medical assistance. Cited and released.
9:04 a.m. – Bradley Allen Bowman, 29, arrested for criminal misconduct II in connection with incident reported on Feb. 17 of this year, for theft III and criminal trespass II in connection with incident reported on Feb. 1, and for criminal misconduct in connection with incident reported on Feb. 28. The incidents for which Bowman was arrested involved graffiti on bathroom walls at Northside Park (damage estimate $200), trespassing and theft of cans from a residence in the 1800 block of 12th Ave. and graffiti at Cornerstone Church (damage estimate $50).
9:07 a.m. – Callers reported hit and run involving pedestrian, Main St./15th Ave. According to SHPD, pedestrian Christopher Janofsky, 40, was crossing Main Street northbound in a crosswalk at 15th Avenue. Donnie Abbott, 71, operating a 1998 Dodge pickup, was traveling southbound on 15th and turned left to go eastbound on Main. Janofsky was struck by the front driver’s side of the pickup and pushed for approximately 10 feet before being knocked to the ground and run over. According to SHPD, Abbott stopped to check on the pedestrian but left the scene prior to law enforcement arrival and without providing any information. Abbott was taken into custody at 6:07 p.m. on Oct. 31 and cited for hit and run-injury, driving while suspended, driving uninsured and failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. He was cited and released.
12:08 p.m. – Caller reported concerns about feral cats in 900 block Dogwood St. Officer responded, provided caller with information about options.
3:35 p.m. – Caller reported that an unknown vehicle had struck caller’s vehicle previous day, Oct. 26, and then fled the scene. North River Dr./Quartzville Rd. Report taken for hit and run.
6:01 p.m. – Caller from Safeway, 1540 Main St., reported female stealing from location and asked to have her trespassed. Officer responded, contacted female, who was trespassed.