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FBI Seeking Individual Who May Have Information Regarding the Identity of a Child Sexual Assault Victim

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FBI - Oregon The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation.  Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 41, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at  https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap . The video depicting the unidentified male, John Doe 41, shown with a child, was first noted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in March of 2018; therefore, the video is believed to have been produced around 2016 to 2018. John Doe 41 is described as an African American male, likely between the ages of 18 and 20 years old.  He appears to be a thin-framed individual with black hair.  Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online ...

Suspects Charged in Attempted Bank Heist

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Medford Police Dept. On Tuesday September 10, just after 10:00 a.m., a robbery was reported at the Banner Bank, 1455 E. McAndrews Road. The investigation revealed the suspect presented a note to the teller demanding cash. However, when the teller questioned the note, the male grabbed it and fled, without getting any money. A witness later came forward and advised they saw the suspect run from the scene and jump into a dark colored Chrysler 300, parked near Corona Avenue. Shortly thereafter, the US Bank at 1242 Court Street reported the male had been in their bank that same morning, acting suspicious. The male was reportedly loitering in the lobby, before leaving on his own without approaching a teller. Detectives were able to locate surveillance video in the area, which captured the suspect's vehicle and license plate. At 1:26 p.m., the suspect vehicle, a black 2007 Chrysler 300, was located in the 4500 block of S. Pacific Hwy, Phoenix. The male associated with the vehi...

FUGITIVE ARRESTED

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office Dillard, Ore. -  This morning at about 8:30 a.m. the Lane County Sheriff’s Office advised our agency that Franklin Lefever, age 51, a wanted fugitive who was considered armed and dangerous, might be staying in a gravel lot just south of the Dillard Store in Dillard. Just before 9:00 a.m. Douglas County deputies located Lefever’s white Toyota pickup and his motor home in the 9400 block of Old Hwy 99 South.  Officers made contact and detained one female subject.  Lefever was found to be in the motor home and initially refused to come out but surrendered after about 20 minutes. Lefever was taken into custody and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on warrants out of Douglas County charging him with Fail to Report as a Sex Offender and Second Degree Criminal Trespass, as well as additional warrants out of Lane County. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Roseburg Police Department and Winston Police Depa...

Man Arrested in Banks Kidnapping Case

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Washington Co. Sheriff's Office On Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at approximately 7:05 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving the City of Banks were dispatched to reports of a man trying to force a woman inside a vehicle near the intersection of NW Highway 47 & NW Wilson River Highway. Deputies were able to contact the adult female at the scene and determine the suspect had fled on foot.  The woman told deputies the suspect was someone she knew and he had been hiding inside her vehicle for hours.  He didn’t make himself known to her until after she dropped her child off at school. The woman tried to escape, but the man forced her back inside the vehicle and would not let her leave.  He eventually left and she was unhurt. Deputies searched the area around Banks for the suspect, but were unable to immediately locate him.  Schools in Banks were placed in lockout status for a short time. Shortly before 4:00 p.m., the suspect, 43-year-...

Eastern Oregon Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Sixty Pounds of Methamphetamine

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U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon PORTLAND, Ore.—Abel Lomas Murillo, 26, of Weston, Oregon, was sentenced today to 235 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.    Murillo previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 15, 2019. According to court documents, in November 2017, the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT), the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Murillo. Abel Murillo sourced drugs from his older brother and co-defendant Noel Murillo who lived in Vacaville, California in the Eastern District of California. The investigation revealed that as early as July 2017, Noel Murillo transported drugs from Vacaville to Klamath Fall, Oregon where a courier would then deliver them to his brother. Abel Murillo and his co-conspirators also made multiple tri...

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR MISSING EUGENE MAN

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office Roseburg, Ore. -  A search is underway for a missing Eugene man who has been missing since Saturday, September 7th. Roscoe Casita, age 37, was reported missing to the Eugene Police Department on Saturday September 7th by family members. On Monday, September 9th, Casita's vehicle, a 2017 blue Subaru Outback, was located by family members at Timpanogas Lake where he has been known to camp in the past.  Douglas County Search and Rescue members are currently searching the area around Timpanogas Lake for Casita.  Timpanogas Lake is in the north east corner of Douglas County about 93 miles northeast of Roseburg and 94 miles southeast of Eugene. Casita is a white male, 5'10", 220 lbs with black hair and blue eyes.  He was last seen wearing a white shirt and black shorts. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Casita is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471.

UPDATED - MISSING: MISSING FATHER AND 2 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office Update-09/10/2019 11:15 AM It has been just over a month since Sean and Madison Moss went missing. As the investigation continues, we are asking for help from the public. 29 year-old Sean Michael Moss and his daughter, Madison Moss were reported missing on Monday, August 12 at 10:18 am. They were last seen by Moss' co-worker on the evening of Friday, August 9th. Family members were expecting Sean and Madison to attend the Douglas County Fair on August 10th, but they did not arrive. Sean drives a dark green Chevy Trailblazer with front end damage on the right side of the bumper with Oregon license plate 549DBU. Sean is described as 5'9'' tall and 160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He has scars from his chin to his waistline. He also has a full back tattoo and a tattoo that reads "Lilly" on his left arm. Madison is described as 3'0'' tall and 25 lbs with curly brown hair with one green...

K9 Grim Sniffs out Burglary Suspects

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office OAKLAND, Ore. -  Two burglars were arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on Saturday after K9 Grim tracked them down.  Deputies were dispatched to a residential property in the 300-block of Thurman Lane shortly before 9:30 am on Saturday, September 7th. A witness observed a subject run from the property when he arrived at the home. Deputies began an investigation and determined a burglary had occurred.  At the request of deputies, K9 Grim was dispatched to the scene to track the suspects. Once there, K9 Grim led deputies to an abandoned structure in the 200-block of Prescott Avenue where he began to alert that the suspects were hiding nearby. Deputies announced the presence of the K9 and told the subjects to surrender. 35 year-old Christopher Robert Helm and 42 year-old Hondo Lee Kuntz, both of Yoncalla, complied and were taken into custody without incident.  Both were transported to the Douglas County Jail ...

GRANT COUNTY DEPUTY ARRESTED AFTER OSP INVESTIGATION.

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Oregon State Police On Friday, September 6, 2019 the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division received a request to conduct an investigation where the suspect was a Grant County Sheriff's Deputy.  On Monday, September 9, 2019 the Oregon State Police arrested Deputy Tyler Smith on charges of Child Neglect, Attempted Adult Rape, and Assault IV. All further inquiries should be directed to the Grant County District Attorney's Office.

Former Portland Resident Sentenced to 270 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children While Babysitting

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U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon PORTLAND, Ore.—After years of contentious litigation and attempts to obstruct justice, Andrew Franklin Kowalczyk, 44, formerly of Portland, was sentenced today to 270 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for the repeated sexual abuse, exploitation and torture of three young children. On December 6, 2018, after a four-day trial and deliberating for just 20 minutes, a federal jury in Portland convicted Kowalczyk on nine counts of producing child pornography. “Andrew Kowalczyk’s abuse and torture of his victims was unthinkable and will forever impact their lives,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Kowalczyk tried every conceivable tactic to delay prosecution and rob his young victims of the justice they deserve. Today his attempts to delay punishment for his horrific crimes have ended.” “First and foremost, I commend the victims and their families for the strength they...

One Dead, One Injured in Prospect Crash

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Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office PROSPECT – One person died and another was injured in a fiery crash early Sunday morning near Prospect.  Medical examiner investigators have tentatively identified the decedent as a Prospect man. On September 8, 2019, at 1:15 a.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash in the 1800-block of Mill Creek Drive.  Deputies say the vehicle, a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500, was southbound on Mill Creek Drive when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and then caught fire.  The driver was ejected into the bed of the pickup during the impact.  Witnesses were unable to remove the driver from the pickup bed before it caught fire.  Personnel from Prospect Fire responded to the scene to fight the fire, which spread to nearby vegetation.   An adult male passenger was able to walk away from the crash, but was injured.  He was transported to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Cent...

ONE DEAD, ONE INJURED IN FALL NEAR UMPQUA HOT SPRINGS

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office On September 8, 2019, at about 1:30 p.m., the 911 center received a call reporting a 20 year old female had fallen from a cliff in the 2000 block of Thorn Prairie Road, near Umpqua Hot Springs.  This area is in the Umpqua National Forest near Toketee Ranger Station about 60 miles east of Roseburg. The female was reported to be injured and needing medical assistance.  Additionally, it was reported that a male subject had also fallen from a cliff and appeared to be deceased.  Sheriff's deputies, Search and Rescue Volunteers, US Forest Service Personnel and Bay Cities Ambulance responded to the scene. 20 year old Azrael Maujean of Grants Pass was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg with serious injuries.  Deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers recovered the body of 24 year old Christian Simmons, also of Grants Pass, who was deceased at the scene. Initial reports indicate that both subjects were in the Umpqua Ho...

Driver Arrested for Manslaughter II in Fatal Crash near Newport

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Oregon State Police On Saturday, September 7, 2019 at about 5:55 PM, Oregon State Police (OSP) and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single-vehicle, serious injury, crash on US-20 around milepost 2. Preliminary investigation revealed a brown 1978 Jeep CJ5, operated by Michael John Craycraft, age 52, of Newport, was traveling eastbound on US-20 when Craycraft lost control of the Jeep and began to spin off the southside of the roadway and struck an embankment. The unrestrained passenger, Rhawnie Lynn Harp, age 40, of Waldport, was ejected from the vehicle.  Harp was transported by ground ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital (SPCH) in Newport where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Craycraft was also transported to SPCH where he was kept overnight due to his injuries. Hospital tests, on Craycraft, revealed presence of alcohol level over the .08%.  September 8, 2019 Craycraft was released from SPCH whe...

UPDATE: Hannah Fox Found Alive

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office DRAIN, Ore.  - On Friday, September 6, 2019, shortly after 12:15 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from a family member reporting Fox had been located. Emergency services were dispatched and found Fox to be alive and speaking with others on private timber lands approximately 3/4 of a mile from where her vehicle was left. Fox had gone for a hike and became lost. Fox was in stable condition, but transported by ambulance to an area hospital for evaluation.  Search crews began looking for her on Tuesday, September 3rd and have been working diligently to locate her since. Efforts included ground search teams, K9 teams, ATV resources and air resources. The search terrain was a mix of heavy brush, timber and downed timber from the February snow event. The area Fox was missing in was surrounded by roads, residences and small farms.  Fox reported hearing searchers in the area, but did not respond to them. No additional upda...

Male Arrested for Work Related Sex Abuse

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Medford Police Dept. On July 3rd, Medford Police received a report from a 41 year old female that she was being sexually harassed at her workplace. An investigation was conducted and detectives were able to obtain hidden camera footage of some of the alleged acts.  The investigation revealed the victim, who is a housekeeper at the Sovana Inn, 250 E. Barnett Road, had been physically harassed in a sexual manner on at least two occasions, by a co-worker who has a managerial role at the motel. Detectives tried numerous times to make contact with the suspect without success. On September 5th, 2019 at about 10:30 a.m., detectives contacted the suspect, Fernando Corvacho, on the hotel premises. He was arrested without incident and lodged in jail. The Medford Police Department would like to let the public know that we take these crimes seriously, and realize they are greatly under-reported. If someone believes they are a victim of this type of behavior, the...

Searchers Looking for Missing Eugene Woman

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Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office DRAIN, Ore . - Deputies have been searching for a missing Eugene woman since Tuesday evening.  At 9:51 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, deputies were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in the 1000-block of Umpqua Highway 99 outside of Drain. Deputies found the vehicle, a silver 2004 Toyota Camry, parked near a private property gate, but no one around it. the vehicle was unsecured with several items of value inside.  The registered owner of the vehicle was contacted by telephone. Deputies learned the vehicle had been being operated by 24-year old Hannah Justine Fox of Salem. Fox had last been seen on Monday, September 2nd and has no ties to Douglas County.  Douglas County Search and Rescue has been actively searching for Fox. She is described as 5'09'', 155 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471. Case # 19-4122

Reward Offered in Four Alarm Fire Investigation in Northeast Portland

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Crime Stoppers of Oregon The Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public's help to identify who is responsible for a large fire that occurred in Northeast Portland. On Monday August 26, 2019, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded to the area of Northeast 85th Avenue and Siskiyou Street on the report of a fire. The fire quickly spread throughout an approximately four acre area that was formerly a golf driving range, damaging area business and residential structures and parked cars. Fire investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set by an unknown person or persons. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous. Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips. ...

Alexander Anderson receives 120 month prison sentence for kidnapping a stranger and then sexually assaulting her

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Multnomah Co. District Attorney's Office Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 38-year-old Alexander Anderson received a 120 month prison sentence for kidnapping and forcibly sexually assaulting a woman. The victim, who is requesting privacy, described the impact this attack had on her, which includes ongoing fear, sleepless nights and continued emotional trauma. During this investigation, law enforcement learned that on March 26, 2017, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the victim began to have a conversation with Anderson, a person whom she had never met before, while at a laundromat near the intersection of North Vancouver and North Lombard Street in Portland, Oregon. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Anderson offered the woman a cleaning job at his nearby business. He brought the woman to his business and then refused to let her leave.  “Alexander Anderson used this opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable member of ou...

Detectives Investigate Apparent Homicide-Suicide

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Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives say two people were found dead in their home Monday.  Investigators believe the deaths were a result of a homicide-suicide.  On September 2, 2019, at 12:15 p.m., a man requested a welfare check at a neighbor’s home in the 3200-block of New Ray Road, Central Point.  The man reported he had not seen the occupants for some time and he could smell an odor coming from the home.  Deputies responded to the residence and found the bodies of two people inside, both with apparent gunshot wounds.  Two pets, a rabbit and a cat, were also found in the home with gunshot wounds.  Investigators with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene. Medical examiner investigators identified the deceased as Shayne Justin Cleaveland, 44, and his mother, Robin Meinhart, 68.  Both resided in the home.  The pair had reportedly not been se...

DEATH INVESTIGATION - JOSEPHINE COUNTY

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Oregon State Police On Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at approximately 9:45 A.M. the Josephine County Sheriff’s office responded to the 4000 block of Cheney Creek Road in Josephine County for a shots fired call. Deputies arriving on scene located 41 year old Ivan J. Nutting Jr. deceased in the residence with gunshot wounds. The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Detectives responded to coordinate and conduct the investigation. The initial investigation indicates there was an argument and a physical altercation between Ivan Nutting Jr. and his father, Ivan Nutting Sr.  Ivan Nutting Sr. was able to wrestle a rifle away from Ivan Nutting Jr. and shots were fired. This an ongoing investigation at this time. The Oregon State Police were assisted by the Oregon State Police Forensics Services Division, the Josephine County District Attorney’s office and the Josephine County Sheriff’s office .

Oregon State Police seeking Public's assistance with Deer Poaching- Jackson County

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Oregon State Police Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the person(s) responsible for shooting/wasting a black tail deer around Friday, August 30, 2019  The deer was located in the Willow Point Campground at Howard Prairie Reservoir. Preliminary investigation revealed that on or around Thursday, August 29, 2019, a deer was shot and left to waste in the Willow Point Campground at Howard Prairie Reservoir.  Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Dispatch at OSP (677) from a mobile phone or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators  The TIP program offers  preference point rewards  for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals. Preference Point Rewards: 5 Poin...

Oregon State Police asking for public assistance with Elk poaching case- Yamhill County

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Oregon State Police The OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the person(s) responsible for the waste of a bull elk in Yamhill  County. On August 30, 2019, OSP received information that two bull elk carcasses had been found and one appeared to be completely wasted. Evidence at the scene indicates someone successfully located the wasted bull after it was dead, but failed to harvest the animal. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Dispatch at OSP (677) from a mobile phone or through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Reference Trooper Jerome Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators  The TIP program offers  preference point rewards  for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals. Preference Point Rewards: 5 Points-Bighorn Sheep 5 Points-Rocky Mountain ...

***Update - Missing Person Found***Polk County Sheriff Searching for missing person

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Polk Co. Sheriff's Office Update – Missing Person Found On 09/02/19 at about 9:00 am the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a forest property owner located on Storey Rd in rural south west Polk County.  The property owner reported a male had walked out of the forest saying he was lost.  Deputies arrived and contacted the property owner and subsequently followed him into the forest where Mr. Peter Nestlerode was found lying in the brush.  He was conscious and alert, but appeared weak from the effects of dehydration.  Mr. Nestlerode stated he survived by eating berries and leaves.  Polk County Fire District #1 medics responded and transported Mr. Nestlerode to a local hospital where he was reported to be in remarkably good spirits.          The property owner later stated he and his brother were working on their property.  They stated they were initially going to work on the lower forest property,...

Shooting Investigation

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Medford Police Department On September 2nd, 2019 at about 1:49 a.m., Medford Police Officers were dispatched to a mobile home at 1500 S. Peach Street for a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two subjects suffering from gunshot wounds. The shooter was on scene and cooperating. The initial investigation indicates that the 17 year old shooter was involved in a dispute with a 15 year old aquaintance. The dispute went on throughout the evening at a different location. The 17 year old came home to his mobile home, were he was alone, due to his parents being out of town. The 15 year old aquaintance arrived at the house with his 22 year old brother. Both subjects either forced entry, or somehow entered the home to apparently assault the 17 year old. One of the subjects may have been armed with an object similar to a tire iron. The 17 year old obtained a 30-30 rifle and shot both the 15 year old and the 22 year old brother. The 15 year old sustained non life threatening injuries and t...

Woman missing on Willamette River

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Polk Co. Sheriff's Office On Saturday 08-31-19 at approximately 2:35 PM a water rescue call came in to the Willamette Valley Communications Center concerning a party of friends that were floating the Willamette River near river mile 105, just downstream from Buena Vista Park in Polk County, south of Independence. Information was that float tubes tied together and occupied by three adult females overturned after running into a large root ball snag situated a short distance off the west shore of Wells Island.  Two of the women were able to get to shallow water and scramble to shore on the island but the third woman was not seen again after going into the water.  Two adult men with the party were able to unhook their tubes prior to reaching the snag and were able to avoid it.  They made it to the Polk County shoreline without incident. An extensive search was conducted by multiple agencies to include boats from Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Fire Department, B...

5-year-old Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle

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Marion Co. Sheriff's Office At approximately 9:21 pm on August 31st, 2019, a 911 call was received reporting a 5-year-old boy had been struck by a vehicle while at a large gathering on a rural property in the 10600 block of Monitor-McKee Road NE in Marion County.  When emergency responders arrived they attempted to resuscitate the child; tragically the child was pronounced as deceased at the scene. Detectives and crash investigators were called out to the scene to investigate.  The involved driver remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators.  At this time it does not appear as if alcohol was a contributing factor. This is still an active investigation; no additional details will be released at this time. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Gervais Police Department, Oregon State Police, Keizer Police Department, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Hubbard Police Department, Mt. Angel Fire District, Woodburn Ambulance, Willamette Valley C...

Shooting Investigation in Portland's Centennial Neighborhood -- Deceased Identified

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Portland Police Bureau On Friday August 30, 2019 at 3:33 a.m., East Precinct officers responded to a residence in the area of Southeast 174th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard on a report of a shooting. Officers arrived at the location and found an adult female with a gunshot wound. The female was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers also located a second victim, an adult male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment to life threatening injuries.  There was a young child in the residence at the time of the shooting. The child is safe with officers and was not harmed.  Officers searched the area for the suspect(s). At this time, no arrests have been made in connection to this shooting.  The Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Detail is responding to assist with the investigation. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact the police non-emergency phone number at (503)823-3333. ...

UPDATED-Oregon State Police Requesting Public's Assistance with Fatal Crash on Hwy 395 - Umatilla County

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Oregon State Police UPDATE- The pedestrian is being identified as Antonia M. Cobarubias (41) of Hermiston. On Saturday, August 31, 2019 at approximately 2:30 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a pedestrian that had been hit by a car on Hwy 395 near milepost 4A. Preliminary investigation revealed a pedestrian was pushing a shopping cart walking northbound when a yet unknown red Honda car, unknown model, struck the pedestrian from behind. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Name and information will be released at a later time. The driver of the Honda did not stop but left several pieces of the vehicle at the scene (pictures attached). OSP believes the vehicle is a 1996 to 2000 Honda, possibly a Civic model, with aftermarket features and effects Oregon State Police is requesting anyone with information regarding this deadly hit and run crash to contact the Oregon State Police by dialing OSP. OSP was assiste...

Assault/Felony Hit and Run

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Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office On Tuesday August 28th, 2019 at 3:24 PM Deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a vehicle pursuit.  The pursuit was initiated on Leland Rd. outside of Wolf Creek.  A traffic stop was initiated on a black Ford Explorer for reckless driving.  The operator of the vehicle elected to flee upon lights and siren being activated.  The pursuit continued over rural gravel roads leading into the Sunny Valley community on King Mountain Rd.  A Deputy was in the process of setting up spike strips in the 400 block of King Mountain Rd. when the eluding vehicle approached him accelerating at high speeds.  The Deputy was attempting to avoid collision but was caught halfway out of the driver’s door of the patrol vehicle.  The eluding suspect elected to ram the patrol vehicle striking the driver’s door, driver’s side rear door and driver’s side rear quarter panel. The Deputy was pinned between the door a...

Former Cottage Grove Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Methamphetamine from Evidence Locker

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U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Oregon   EUGENE, Ore.— Phillip Allan Beach, 49, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception of subterfuge. According to court documents, in May 2015, an evidence coordinator at the Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) reported to their supervisor that Beach accessed the department’s evidence locker more frequently than other officers and seemed to do so for no apparent purpose. The coordinator said that Beach would repeatedly access the same evidence bag. A CGPD commander later examined the bag and observed that it was open and two plastic bags inside containing several ounces of methamphetamine crystals had been sliced open. In June 2015, CGPD began an investigation of Beach’s conduct and placed two hidden cameras inside the evidence locker. On June 11, 2015, Beach was recorded on video entering the locker without signing the e...

SINGLE VEHICLE FATAL CRASH ON INTERSTATE 5 - JOSEPHINE COUNTY

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Oregon State Police On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at approximately 5:51 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on I-5 at milepost 71. Preliminary investigation reviled that a Nissan Versa, operated by George Kachigian (84) of Grants Pass, was traveling northbound on I-5 when the Versa lost control and struck the center concrete median.  The Versa overturned and came to rest on the right shoulder of the road.  Kachigian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. OSP was assisted by Rural Metro Fire District, ODOT, AMR, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.