The Lane County Fair is July 24 through to 28. To make the venue safer and a welcoming space for families, this year the Eugene Police Department and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office have partnered on strong security measures. Some changes to this year’s security include the addition of metal detectors at the entrances to the fair, increased and enhanced law enforcement presence throughout the fair and parking lots, and the addition of overlapping shifts of officers and deputies during the peak fair times. All these safety measures are in addition to private security hired for the fair.

According to EPD Chief Chris Skinner, “County fairs across America provide opportunities for friends and families to come together and enjoy the offerings of their unique area. It’s important to us as a police department to provide a safe and secure place for that enjoyment. If you plan on coming to the fair and engage in unsafe behavior, stay home.”

“For over a century, the Lane County Fair has been a cherished tradition in our community,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “This year, we are proud to collaborate with the fair and other agencies to ensure a fun and safe environment where families can come together, create lasting memories, and celebrate our county. Let's all work together to keep the fair enjoyable for everyone.”

The Lane County Fair, at 796 W. 13th Avenue, is a summer event everyone looks forward to. It is fun for all ages. The security measures are designed to make the venue safer so people can enjoy the many rides, games, exhibits, and entertainment.

The following area east of Cottage Grove is on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• Areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.    

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information. 

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads:

• Brice Creek Road east of the Umpqua National Forest Boundary
• All of Sharps Creek Road

Federal land managers in the area have issued closure orders due to the fire. People camping in the Brice Creek, Sharps Creek, Champion Creek, Bohemia, and Fairview Peak areas should leave now. Please check the Umpqua National Forest webpage for more information. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

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In February of 2020, DHS investigated a report that Jakiah Chandler had inappropriately touched a juvenile at a Junction City address. Investigators were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to make an arrest at that time. In May of 2023, investigators were made aware of two more allegations of abuse by Chandler of minor children.  The abuse was reported to have occurred both in Albany and rural Lane County. Chandler, now living in Albany, was interviewed and subsequently arrested. 

A cooperative action between the Lane County District Attorney’s Office and Linn County District Attorney’s Office led to Chandler accepting a plea deal for sentencing on sex crimes amounting to 25 years in the Oregon Department of Corrections.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Human Services, Albany Police Department, and both the Lane and Linn County District Attorney’s Offices for their assistance in this case. 

On Saturday, July 20th at about 3 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies and Oregon State Police responded to Fern Ridge Reservoir for a report of a drowning. Witnesses reported the victim, a 26-year-old male who was not wearing a life jacket, was swimming from their boat before going under water and not resurfacing. 

Volunteers with the Lane County Sheriff’s Dive Team responded. After several hours of searching underwater, the victim was located deceased. 

Thanks to the Lane County Sheriff’s volunteers who assisted on this difficult case, as well as the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) volunteers who responded to assist the witnesses. 

Rivers and Lakes in Lane County are still very cold, making them especially dangerous during hot summer days. Please, if recreating in or on the water, wear a life jacket. 

Drone still

Yesterday, July 18^th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of McKenzie View at milepost 5 to assist firefighters by evacuating about 15 residences. While on scene, deputies assisted with transporting wildland firefighters closer to the flames and flew a drone to give real-time information to the fire crews.

The fire was quickly taken under control by fire crews, who continued to work the area overnight. The evacuation notice was lifted late last night. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many fire agencies who have been responding and protecting the residents and visitors of our county.

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The following area north of Oakridge is being downgraded to a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• East of High Prairie Road milepost 5.5, including Dead Mountain, Mountain View, Huckleberry and High Prairie Loop.

Level 1 means: Be aware of danger in your area, monitor emergency services websites and local news for information. This is the time for precautionary movement of people with special needs, mobile property and pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire for information. 

The following area remains at a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation:

• High Prairie area east of North Fork Road and north of Westfir-Oakridge Road to milepost 5.5 on High Prairie Road

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media 

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.   

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.   

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The following area north of Oakridge is being elevated to a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:

• East of High Prairie Road milepost 5.5, including Dead Mountain, Mountain View, Huckleberry and High Prairie Loop.

Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.

Public safety personnel cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire for information. 

Lane County Animal Services will be opening a large animal and livestock shelter tomorrow, July 18. It will not be located at Lane Events Center. More information will be provided to people in the Level 2 evacuation area tomorrow. 

The following area remains at a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation:

• High Prairie area east of North Fork Road and north of Westfir-Oakridge Road to milepost 5.5 on High Prairie Road

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information. 

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.   

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.   

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On July 10^th, a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the McKenzie District attempted to stop a motorcycle driving recklessly. The motorcycle eluded, driving at speeds well above 100 miles per hour. The next day, the motorcycle eluded the same deputy in a similar area. In both pursuits, the deputy terminated the pursuit for the safety of the public due to the recklessness of the motorcyclist. The Oregon State Police observed the same motorcycle driving recklessly several times on days following the pursuits. Photos of the suspect were also circulated online.  

With the combined investigative efforts of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and the Oregon State Police, the rider of the motorcycle was identified as Joseph Tyler McVeigh, 27, of Vida.

This morning, July 17th at about 6:30 a.m., the rider was spotted traveling at a high rate of speed on McKenzie Highway by a deputy, and soon a trooper began following. An Oregon State Police aircraft was in the area and was able to track the vehicle into Eugene. Additional deputies and troopers responded to the area and moved in when the rider parked. McVeigh was arrested without further incident and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, four counts of Reckless Driving, and three counts of Reckless Endangering. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our partner agencies for their assistance in this case, as well as community members who reported their concern for McVeigh’s dangerous driving. 

The following area north of Oakridge are on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:

• High Prairie area east of North Fork Road and north of Westfir-Oakridge Road and north to High Prairie Loop

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPraireFire. 

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information. 

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock. 

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.   

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West Lane Arrest

On July 15^th at about 10 a.m., employees with Blachly-Lane Electric Co-Op responded to the area of Siuslaw River Road and Richardson Upriver Road for a power outage. When they arrived, they found two males with a vehicle stuck in the mud near two power poles that had been cut down. 

A Lane County Sheriff’s deputy and an Oregon State Police trooper responded. The suspects were identified as Nathan Shawn Reynolds and Cody Ray Reynolds, both 32. 

Blachly-Lane estimated the damage to be more than $30,000. Century Link property was also damaged in the incident, estimated to be around $1,500. More importantly, these actions disrupted the vital services these lines provide to this rural area.

After investigating, Nathan and Cody Reynolds were both arrested for Theft in the 2^nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1^st Degree, and Trespass in the 2^nd Degree. Cody Reynolds was also arrested for Violation of a Restraining Order. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail without incident. 

Thanks to the Oregon State Police for their assistance on this case, and to the utility companies who have worked diligently since the ice storms to maintain services to our rural areas.

UPDATE - 7/16/24 - Evacuation lifted for Green Hill Road and Bodenhamer Road

The Level 1 evacuation notice for the area south of Bodenhamer Road and west of Greenhill Road has been lifted. Fire crews may be in the area for some time. If you observe flames, please call 911.

Thanks to the many firefighters who responded and law enforcement partners who assisted with evacuation notices.

Map and updates at www.lanecounty.org/bodenhamer

REMINDER – Sign up for Lane Alerts! These emergency alerts can be received by email, text, or phone call, and are specific to the address in Lane County you provide. More info at www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/lane_county_emergency_management/emergency_alerts

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UPDATE - 7:30 p.m. - *Evacuation downgrade areas corrected*

The areas south of Bodenhamer Road and west of Greenhill Road have been downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready). Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area. Monitor local media outlets and telephones to receive further information. 

The Level 1 evacuation notice has been lifted for areas south of Royal Avenue from Greenhill Road to Fern Ridge Lake.

Map and updates available at www.lanecounty.org/bodenhamer

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UPDATE - 6 p.m.

There is currently a wildfire in the area south of Bodenhamer Road and west of Greenhill Road. These areas have been upgraded to a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation notice.

Level 3 means leave immediately! Do NOT take time to gather things. GO NOW!

If you evacuate or are looking for someone who has evacuated, please reunify at Prairie Mountain School, 5305 Royal Avenue, Eugene.

Areas south of Royal Avenue from Greenhill Road to Fern Ridge Lake, have been issued a Level 1 (Be Ready) notice. Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area. Monitor local media outlets and telephones to receive further information. 

Updates available at www.lanecounty.org/bodenhamer

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There is currently a wildfire in the area south of Bodenhamer Road and west of Greenhill Road. These areas have been issued a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice. 

Level 2 means: you must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.   

If you evacuate or are looking for someone who has evacuated, please reunify at Prairie Mountain School, 5305 Royal Avenue, Eugene.

UPDATE - 7/15/24:

Lane County Sheriff’s detectives determined the shooting occurred in the 25000 block of Hunter Avenue in Veneta. The victim was then transported to Perkins Peninsula Park by witnesses.

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On July 14^th at about 7:20 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Perkins Park Peninsula for a report of a female who had been shot. She was transported to an area hospital with a non-life threatening injury to the arm/shoulder area. 

During the investigation, deputies arrested Timothy Earl Shaw, 33, for Assault in the 1^st Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  Another person contacted, Hannah Fetko, 32, was also arrested on a warrant. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail without incident. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141. 

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Early in the morning on July 12th, a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy following up on a theft case learned that a wanted person, Kirbie Lynne Hulsey, 40, was at a residence in the 24600 block of Demming Ridge Road. Hulsey had a federal warrant for her arrest from the U.S. Marshals Service.

After deputies arrived, Hulsey fled into the woods behind the property. Additional deputies responded with a drone and K9 Ripp. With Ripp’s assistance, deputies located Hulsey hiding in thick brush and arrested her without further incident. 

Photo of Tyrrell

In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove. 

Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove.  A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tyrrell is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots. 

Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. 

On July 9th at about 11 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a mobile home park in the 34900 block of Seavey Loop Road for a report of a resident who was yelling racial slurs and throwing tools in the direction of several construction workers at an adjacent mobile home. 

Deputies developed probable cause to arrest the female, Rowena Lynn Hamilton, 61, for two counts of Bias Crime in the 2nd Degree. She was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the charges. 

UPDATE - Photos of the rescue are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/share/p/DnznpeahkF3ozmei/

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On Saturday, July 6^th, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue mobilized to rescue a fallen climber at high elevation on the North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness.  The climber likely had several broken bones and was on an exposed scree slide taking rockfall. He was able to call 911 and give updates on his location and condition. 

A Lane County Sheriff’s SAR deputy deployed to high elevation via a LifeFlight helicopter, while Deschutes County Sheriff’s SAR volunteers deployed via an AirLink helicopter. An additional backup team of SAR volunteers began climbing to the location as well.  Once the climber was located, the SAR personnel flown in by helicopters were able to climb to his location, provide medical care, and move him from the precarious slope.

An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter responded and airlifted the patient to an area hospital for additional medical care. AirLink retrieved the rescuers from the climber’s location, while the backup team climbed back down and hiked out. 

This rescue required a great deal of coordination and staff, including the 3 involved helicopters. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office thanks our Search & Rescue volunteers, which includes Eugene Mountain Rescue, and thanks to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, LifeFlight, AirLink, and the Oregon Army National Guard.

Nearly every week, Sheriff's Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue

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On July 8^th at about 4:45 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an arson in the 87400 block of Cedar Flat Road. Fire personnel and witnesses advised a male had intentionally set two fires in dry grass on the property. Deputies deployed a K9, and were assisted by Oregon State Police troopers as well as a Springfield Police K9 and drones from the Springfield and Eugene Police Departments.

Area residents began checking their security cameras and spreading the word to their neighbors as deputies, troopers, and officers searched the area. Eventually, the suspect was spotted in the 8700 block of Thurston Road. Deputies and officers quickly responded and arrested the suspect, identified as Michael David Dinwiddie, 41, of Springfield. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1^st Degree and Burglary in the 2^nd Degree.

Thanks to the many residents who watched out for their neighborhood and assisted with locating the suspect. 

On July 4^th, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue and Marine Patrol Deputies, along with Eugene Springfield Fire, responded to multiple water rescues throughout the day. Several occurred around the same time, complicating the response. LCSO and ESF coordinated resources on several of the calls, assigning boats and vehicles that were closest to each.

Most of the subjects were wearing life jackets and were able to at least get to shore to await rescue or assistance back to a landing by boat or patrol vehicle:

• 3:55 p.m. – McKenzie River near highway milepost 30, 3 rescued
• 4:34 p.m. – Willamette River near Clearwater Landing, 3 rescued
• 4:42 p.m. – Willamette River near D Street Landing, 2 rescued
• 4:43 p.m. – McKenzie River near Harvest Landing, 1 rescued
• 6:07 p.m. – Willamette River near Hileman Landing, 3 rescued
• 9:30 p.m. – Willamette River near Harbor Drive, 2 rescued

Thanks to the many individuals that assisted with each of these calls, and for the many responsible boaters who chose to wear their life jackets. Thanks also to McKenzie Fire & Rescue, Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue, and Coburg Fire & Rescue for their medical assistance on these calls. 

On June 28^th at about 3:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary in progress at an area business in the 42800 block of McKenzie Highway. A truck had backed into the store, damaging the building, and fled with the ATM from inside. Deputies contacted the victim and relayed suspect information to surrounding agencies based on surveillance video. An officer with the Springfield Police Department spotted the suspect vehicle and was able to conduct a traffic stop. The driver, Robert Anthony Moore, 37, matched the suspect depicted in the video. Additional evidence of the burglary was located in the vehicle, and the ATM was found nearby. 

Moore was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Burglary in the 2^nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1^st Degree, Theft in the 1^st Degree, and Tampering with Evidence. 

Thanks to the Springfield Police Department for their assistance in this case. 

On June 27^th at about 5 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police troopers responded to the 85100 block of Winding Way, Pleasant Hill, after a juvenile told a neighbor someone was trying to kill their mother. When deputies arrived on scene, a female was found unconscious in the yard with injuries. A nearby male, Dillion Shane Simmons, 31, fought with deputies when told he was under arrest.  Once Simmons was in custody, he and the female were transported to the hospital for treatment. 

A Lane County Sheriff’s sergeant also responded to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest. 

Simmons was lodged in the Lane County Jail for Assault in the 3^rd Degree, Assault in the 4^th Degree (APA), Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Menacing, and Resisting Arrest. 

Thanks to the Oregon State Police and Pleasant Hill Fire Department for their assistance during this incident. 

On June 25^th at about 10:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 12700 block of Village Loop Road in Swisshome. While en route, deputies learned the suspect, Alexander Blake Cullen, 24, had fled in a vehicle. 

Deputies responded to the location and set up on surrounding roads. Thanks to their teamwork, they soon located Cullen in a parking lot in Veneta, roughly 40 miles from where the incident occurred. Cullen was arrested without further incident and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Assault 4 APA, Menacing APA, Coercion, Harassment x2, Criminal Mischief 1, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Cullen was still in custody as of June 28^th. 

On Saturday, June 22^nd at about 9 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue personnel and deputies responded to the Terwilliger Hot Springs to assist Upper McKenzie Fire Department with an unresponsive patient. Shortly after being dispatched, the subject was declared deceased. Search & Rescue assisted with carrying the subject along the hiking path down to the parking lot and deputies began an investigation into the cause of the person’s death. The subject was identified as Jesse James Calkins, 40, of Hines, Oregon. The circumstances of Calkins’ death do not appear to be criminal in nature. 

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*UPDATE* - 6/28/24

The deceased rider was identified as Bradd Lee Patterson, 75, of Eugene.  

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On the afternoon of June 19th, Deputies with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single motorcycle crash through a fence along Ayres Lane near Highway 99, Junction City. Witnesses observed the motorcycle attempt to turn onto Ayres Lane from Highway 99 and lose control. The rider was located deceased underneath the motorcycle, a three-wheeled Harley Davidson. The driver’s identity is being withheld at this time.