On 10/31/19, at approximately 2:49 p.m., Newport Police Officers, along with Newport Fire Department Personnel were dispatched to a structure fire in the 800 block of SW 7th St. Responding Officers located a residential building fully engulfed in flames upon arrival. Newport Fire Personnel, along with Fire Agencies from surrounding areas began fighting the fire upon their arrival.
During the initial attack on the fire, a resident of the location, identified as Josie Waterman, began causing a disturbance by attempting to retrieve personal items from the burning building. Waterman was warned numerous times by Fire Personnel and Police Officers to stay out of the area as it was dangerous and her actions were interfering with the Fire Fighters ability to conduct their operation. Waterman refused to cooperate with the orders and continued to try and get to the residence.
After numerous attempts to get compliance from Waterman, she continued to interfere with fire personnel’s ability to conduct their operation. Waterman was taken into custody for Interfering with a Firefighter, a class A Misdemeanor.
Waterman was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Officer Vincent Boutwell at 541-574-3348.
**Update – Suspicious Death – Name Released**
The victim is identified as 34-year-old Newport resident Alexandra Prezioso. Prezioso was reported as missing on October 27, 2019 by a family member. Officers responded to the original complaint, and learned that a family member arrived at home to find her home had been ransacked. While officers were on scene Prezioso was located deceased in the residence. Prezioso’s death was originally ruled as suspicious. An autopsy conducted today confirmed that Prezioso died as a result of homicidal violence. A person of interest has been identified in Prezioso’s death, however no arrests have been made at this time. Prezioso’s death continues to be under investigation by the Lincoln County Major Crime Team. Investigators confirmed there is not a threat to the community.
End of Update
***********************************
On October 27, 2019, at 6:37pm, Newport Officers responded to a reported burglary and missing person report at a residence in the 500 block of W. Olive St. The investigation led to the discovery of a deceased a 34-year-old Newport woman. The death was identified as suspicious. Newport Officers secured the scene and notified the Lincoln County Major Crime Team, which is comprised of investigators from Lincoln County Law Enforcement Agencies. Investigators identified there is not an ongoing threat to the community. The identity of the deceased subject in being withheld at this time. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is released at this time.