- 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).
Aug. 31
2:53 a.m. – Caller reported pile of items on railroad tracks near 12th Ave. Officer responded, contacted group illegally camped in area. They promised to leave and return later to clean up.
10:26 a.m. – Caller reported her husband had lost wallet between Cascadia and Sweet Home.
10:28 a.m. – Deputies and Search and Rescue personnel responded with Sweet Home Fire to report of injured male on shore of Green Peter, 48700 block Quartzville Rd. Victim was carried out by SAR personnel, transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
11:06 a.m. – Nicholas Nathan Nivison, 32, arrested at Sweet Home Inn, 800 block Long St., for domestic assault IV, after caller reported male and female had been fighting for hours, screaming at each other. Lodged at Linn County Jail.
1:03 p.m. – Two males were told to leave Campbell Global property in 23000 block Brush Creek Rd. after camping there. They were cooperative.
2:20 p.m. – Nicholas Farmer, 39, of Albany, cited for parking in front of timber gate, Wiley Creek Dr./Riggs Hill Rd.
3:58 p.m. – New owners of property, digging in search of sewer tank in 100 block 21st Ave., discovered bones. Further examination by LCSO determined that it was the remains of a dog.
6:26 p.m. – Caller reported neighbors using go-kart that was tearing up shared driveway, 1700 block 9th Ave. Officer responded, contacted neighbors and advised them of complaint. They were advised to stay on their own property and avoid easement.
8:17 p.m. – Firearm reported stolen from 25900 block Center School Rd., Halsey. Firearm described as Springfield XD 9mm that was taken from the location, possibly by a family member. Report taken.
8:34 p.m. – Caller reported adults dressed as furries, luring minors to cars. Deputy responded, determined that it was just children playing in furry fox outfits. 200 block W. Park St., Brownsville.
Aug. 30
12:02 a.m. – Caller reported sending $20,000 via cashier’s check to scammer, 000 block Nandina St. Officer responded, report taken for two counts of aggravated theft.
12:15 a.m. – Matthew Vincent Bocca, 37, arrested in Multnomah County on SHMC warrant for FTA in endangering the welfare of a minor case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
1:27 a.m. – Joshua Hughes arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrants in reckless driving and criminal driving cases. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
2:47 a.m. – Crash reported in 24000 block Brush Creek Rd. No injuries reported. Olivia Bushor, 29, of Springfield, cited for driving while suspended, driving uninsured. Report taken.
7:48 a.m. – Larry Dean Bergstrom, 60, arrested on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case after caller reported individual sleeping in 4400 block Main St. Cited and released.
9:59 a.m. – Caller asked LCSO to check her window for paw prints, 25600 block Rice Rd.
10:41 a.m. – Caller reported her neighbor keeps “attacking” her car, causing her to have to jump battery multiple times, 2900 block Harding Court. Officer responded, noted information, advised caller of her options.
11:01 a.m. – Caller reported wife having mental health crisis and requested help. Officer responded, female requested medics transport her to hospital. 1500 block Tamarack St.
11:18 a.m. – Caller from Foster School reported vehicle that had been parked in area “for a while” that was partially boarded up and had large padlock on door, as well as camera pointed towards one of school classrooms. Officer responded, vehicle posted for removal in 48 hours. Quince St./54th Ave.
2:14 p.m. – Deputies returned frolicking goats to their residence in 40700 block McDowell Creek Dr. “after they escaped to have fun with people visiting the river.”
4:55 p.m. – Caller reported theft of items from his campsite, 51300 block Quartzville Rd.
7:39 p.m. – Dawson Weld, 31, of Dallas, cited for violating fire restrictions, 51400 block Quartzville Rd.
8:04 p.m. – Campers kicked out of Sunnyside Park A Loop, 44900 block Quartzville Rd., after disturbance reported in campground.
8:26 p.m. – Campers warned for camping on Campbell Global land in 50100 block Quartzville Rd.
9:30 p.m. – Michael Evan Matthews arrested by Lebanon police on SHMC warrant for FTA in trespass case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
10:34 p.m. – Aleece Rochelle Woods arrested on SHMC warrant in trespass case, LCCC warrant for FTA in trespass case, 2200 block Main St. Cited and released.
Aug. 29
12:13 p.m. – Bryanna Sue Harley, 33, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant for FTA in two theft cases. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
1:25 p.m. – Caller reported theft of equipment from logging site in 52800 block Hwy. 20, including power tools, fuel, fabric fire hoses and electric grease gun. Value being determined. Report taken.
2:29 p.m. – April Denise Ferebee, 67, arrested by Baker County Sheriff’s Office on SHMC warrant for FTC in theft case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
2:38 p.m. – Caller reported possible drunk driver entering Sweet Home eastbound on Hwy. 20. Officer contacted driver, detected no violations. Driver reported he had a “young dog” jumping on him but would try to keep that from happening again.
3:33 p.m. – Thomas Michael Studer, 52, arrested by Monmouth police on SHMC warrant for FTA in hit and run case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
3:45 p.m. – Deputy warned male for illegal camping, 46600 block Quartzville Rd.
3:47 p.m. – Sean Garren, 42, of Cascadia, cited for speeding, 70/55, 48000 block Hwy. 20.
3:58 p.m. – LCSO conducted death investigation in 40500 block McDowell Creek Rd. Elderly female’s death determined to be natural. Report taken.
4:38 p.m. – Deputy warned illegal campers on BLM land in 50100 block Quartzville Rd.
5:10 p.m. – Deputy located abandoned camper trailer in 51200 block Quartzville Rd. Investigation ongoing. Report taken.
5:25 p.m. – Illegal campers warned in 51200 block Quartzville Rd.
6:48 p.m. – Deputy stopped small scooter for traffic violations, 43500 block North River Dr. No citations issued.
6:52 p.m. – Shilo Scott Rannings, 37, of Sweet Home, arrested by LCSO on outstanding warrants following traffic stop in 43500 block North River Dr. Warrants include SHMC warrant for FTC in unlawful entry into motor vehicle case. Cited to appear Sept. 24. Report taken.
8:39 p.m. – Loa Ann Louis Branton arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, LMC warrant for FTA in criminal citation case, 5300 block Main St. Cited and released.
Aug. 28
4:59 a.m. – Ricki Anne Orth arrested in Malheur County Jail on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
7:44 a.m. – LCSO conducted death investigation involving 60-year-old male in 27100 block High Deck Rd. after he was found deceased by family members. Determined to be natural. Report taken.
7:43 p.m. – Crash reported in 43700 block North River Dr. According to LCSO, female driver reported she pulled off the road to close a door that her vehicle alerted her was open and while she was doing so, vehicle continued to roll and went down embankment. Report taken.
11:45 a.m. – Caller reported someone backed into her vehicle in Bimart parking lot, 1980 Main St., on Aug. 26. Officer responded, report taken for hit and run. Damage estimated at less than $500.
1:08 p.m. – Shawna Jean Tidwell, 38, arrested for theft III, on LMC warrant for FTA in criminal citation and Deschutes County Circuit Court warrant in forgery case, after caller reported shoplifter at BiMart, 1980 Main St. Cited and released.
3:36 p.m. – Brian Lee Richardson, 51, arrested on AMC warrant for FTA, Clackamas County Circuit Court warrant for FTA in criminal driving case. Arrest came after caller in 1600 block Elm St. reported male on her property after being told to leave and not return. Cited and released.
4:51 p.m. – OSP reported vehicle unable to maintain lane eastbound on Hwy. 228 from Milepost 14. Officer contacted male at residence, detected no signs of intoxication but driver admitted to cellphone use. He was “heavily counselled” for actions.
5:35 p.m. – Donald Ray Walkup, 30, arrested by Albany police on SHMC warrant in assault case. Cited to appear Sept. 24.
6:52 p.m. – Caller reported individuals trying to cut handle off bathroom door in Northside Park, 1712 11th Ave. Officer responded, located female inside who was conscious, breathing. She refused transport. Public Works to fix bathroom door.
8:08 p.m. – Caller reported female on bicycle hit by vehicle in area of Main St./Clark Mill Rd. Officer responded. Operator of 2009 Chrysler Aspen was Debora Walvatne, 41. Bicyclist was Breanna Johnston, 31. Report taken for injury crash. Damage estimated to be under $2,500. No citations listed in police log. Bicyclist given courtesy ride by officer.
8:14 p.m. – Adult male warned for shooting in safety corridor on U.S. Forest Service property,, 51400 block Quartzville Rd.
8:46 p.m. – Caller reported suicidal subject in 41900 block North River Dr. Female taken to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital on police officer hold. Report taken.
9:38 p.m. – Landen Lydens, 20, of Sweet Home, cited for driving uninsured, 42100 block North River Dr.
Aug. 27
10:43 a.m. – Eric Raymond Shipp, 51, arrested after he turned himself in at SHPD, 1950 Main St., on SHMC warrant for FTA in harassment case. Cited and released.
10:44 a.m. – James Alan Wood, 40, arrested on LCCC warrant in unlawful possession of meth case. Jessica Lea Nofziger, 40, arrested on AMC warrant for FTA in theft case. Arrests came after caller requested welfare check on two individuals sleeping in gravel parking lot in 6100 block Main St., who did not wake up when caller yelled at them. Both cited and released.
11:01 a.m. – Unidentified citizen cited for having unkept property, in violation of city ordinance. 700 block W. 3rd St.
5:28 p.m. – Caller reported male in 1800 block Ulex St. with metal pole, yelling. Officer responded, located metal pipe but male was gone from location. Residents to dispose of pipe.
2:03 p.m. – Delbert Woody, 82, of Sweet Home, cited for criminal trespass II after allegedly entering Giustina Resources/Campbell Global/Cascade Timber Consulting property on Big Wiley Line, 44700 block Wiley Creek Dr. According to LCSO, Woody was contacted by company watchmen on private timber property in an active logging area. He refused to comply with the property rules after being warned to leave. Report taken.
7:42 p.m. – Hunter Ariel Ringheimer, 32, arrested on LMC warrant for FTA in criminal citation case, 1900 block Main St. Cited and released.
Aug. 26
8:32 a.m. – Crash reported in 28400 block Pleasant Valley Rd. Single-vehicle, non-criminal. According to LCSO, driver in van, who was not fully identified, was westbound on Pleasant Valley when he reached for his drink and left the roadway. The driver was not injured and the crash destroyed a mailbox. Van was towed. Report taken.
8:52 a.m. – Kathleen Marie Martinez, 57, of Sweet Home, cited for speeding, 44/25, 600 block N. Main St.
10:15 a.m. – Juveniles cited for trespassing on private timber company property, 26700 block Ames Creek Dr./Ames Creek Line. According to LCSO, juveniles drove on to private timberland property and got stuck high-centered on a stump after driving past “No Trespassing” signs. Referred to Juvenile Department. Report taken.
11:01 a.m. – Caller reported damage to property in 4300 block Main St. Officer responded. Male had recently replaced a part on his vehicle and it was now leaking. He believed someone had loosened it. Report taken for criminal mischief III.
1:41 p.m. – Caller reported stolen vehicle, 1200 block W. 2nd St., Halsey. Investigation ongoing.
2:14 p.m. – Steven Frields, 63, of Sacramento, cited for failure to obey traffic control device, 700 block N. Main St.
3:42 p.m. – Dawn Adele Madsen, 58, of Lebanon, cited for speeding, 44/25, 1000 block N. Main St., Brownsville.
5:09 p.m. – Caller reported her son was bitten by neighbor’s dog, 5300 block Locust St. Officer responded, report taken.
5:13 p.m. – Caller from Domino’s Pizza reported that employee had been given fake $100 bill while on delivery in 1700 block Long St. Officer responded, report taken for forgery I, theft III.
5:26 p.m. – Caller reported a juvenile had spray-painted his rental house, truck, tree and the sidewalk in 900 block 4th Ave. Officer responded, info noted. Officer to counsel juvenile at caller’s request.
6:12 p.m. – Multiple callers reported woman screaming in 1500 block Tamarack. Officer responded, determined female – who had recently been released from a mental facility – was not a police officer hold candidate. Family advised of options and county Mental Health advised.
6:49 p.m. – Bradley John Wright, 53, of Sweet Home, arrested by LCSO on outstanding warrants including SHMC hit and run case, possession of methamphetamine. Cited to appear Sept. 24. Report taken.
8:12 p.m. – Caller reported neighbor in 4100 block Osage St. was upset with parking, started pounding on hood of vehicle. Officer responded, contacted involved parties, determined that no crimes had been committed. Parties separated.
8:54 p.m. – Caller reported illegal campfires in Willamette National Forest in 51300 block Quartzville Rd. Deputies responded, located camps with propane fire pits, which are allowed under fire restrictions.
10:24 p.m. – Bradley Allen Bowman arrested on SHMC warrant for FTA in theft case, LCCC warrants in theft cases, possession of controlled substance – meth case, and FTA in theft case, 4300 block Main St. Cited and released.
11:13 p.m. – LCSO patrolled private timber lands along Quartzville Road, checking for illegal campfires. Only propane fires located.
Aug. 25
3:20 a.m. – Caller reported neighbor hammering “loudly” in 3500 block Juniper St. Officer responded, contacted neighbor, who said they were fixing something but were done for the night.
8:14 a.m. – Caller reported female camping in Northside Park, 1712 11th Ave. Officer responded, contacted female, who was warned about camping in park and indicated she would be moving along.
8:21 a.m. – Larry Dean Bergstrom, 60, arrested on LJC warrant in reckless burning case, 4300 block Main St. Cited and released.
8:29 a.m. – Caller reported something deceased on railroad tracks near Sun Lane/Hwy. 20. Deceased turned out to be a deer.
9:49 a.m. – William Lee Phillips, 42, arrested on SHMC warrants for FTA in two theft cases, 1200 block 23rd Ave. Cited and released.
11:02 a.m. – Caller reported construction crew had ripped their cable lines down for second time in a week, 500 block Mountain View Dr. Officer responded, contacted caller and construction workers, who were unsure how line got cut. Comcast to replace wire.
11:26 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle parked in 5500 block Quince St. for past five days. Officer responded, vehicle posted for removal.
11:58 a.m. – Caller reported credit card stolen from Foster Elementary School, 5526 Poplar St. Officer responded, report taken, investigation continuing.
12:58 p.m. – Trammel Pablo Scott, 65, of Cheshire, cited for speeding, 44/25, Main St./Walnut Ave.
1:38 p.m. – Caller reported vehicle parked in area of Nandina St./48th Loop for more than two weeks.. Officer responded, vehicle posted for removal.
3:30 p.m. – Caller reported neighbors were cutting down trees, building something on property that doesn’t belong to them, 1800 block Cedar St.. Officer responded, contacted those involved, who thought their property line went back further. They were advised of property lines and said they would refrain from entering adjoining property.
4:02 p.m. – Quinton Lamar Baker, 21, of Fife, Wash., cited for speeding, driving without license, 32400 block Hwy. 228.
7:55 p.m. – Jordan Scott Carter, 35, arrested on SHMC warrants for FTA in theft, unauthorized use of motor vehicle cases, LMC warrant for probation violation, AMC warrant in theft case, 2300 block Main St. Narcotic paraphernalia located and seized for destruction. Cited and released on warrants.
10:23 p.m. – Caller reported neighbor’s dog had been barking for several hours in 1200 block Nandina St.. Officer responded, located dog and was able to untangle it from its tether.