At 9:08 A.M., on Saturday, August 12, 2017, Newport Fire Department responded to Pacific Seafood's processing facility for leaking ammonia. Upon arrival, first responders from the Fire Department found a strong ammonia smell and vapor escaping from a room inside the plant. A plant technician informed Fire Department personnel that a valve handle broke off while he was repairing a pump in a refrigeration line. The technician was unable to shut off the flow of ammonia and was forced out of the room by rising levels of ammonia vapor.
Newport Police Department and Pacific West Ambulance also assisted on scene. Newport Fire Department responded with a fire engine, water tender, two chief officers and 12 firefighters. There were over 30 responders in total. Using guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation, fire crews initially set up a 1,000-foot safety perimeter. Later, the perimeter was able to be reduced based on readings received from the hazardous materials team. Newport firefighters initially made entry using self-contained breathing apparatus to attempt to shut off the flow of gas. However, they had to withdraw due to the high levels of gas in the room. At this point, the Incident Commander called for assistance from the hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team. Ten HAZMAT specialists from Region 13 HAZMAT responded.
The HAZMAT team, in full encapsulating suits, were able to shut off the flow of ammonia and began to ventilate the room using fans. The team continued to monitor conditions, and after a couple of hours were able to allow plant personnel to re-enter a portion of the facility. A hazardous materials cleanup company removed the remaining liquid.
Newport Fire Department received mutual aid from Toledo Fire Department, Depoe Bay Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire District, and Salem Fire Department HAZMAT Team 13. As required, notification was made by incident responders and plant management staff to state and federal agencies, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the U.S. Coast Guard. The facility was turned over to plant personnel and Bay Boulevard was reopened around 8:30 P.M.
At 9:08 A.M., on Saturday, August 12, 2017, Newport Fire Department responded to Pacific Seafood's processing facility for leaking ammonia. Upon arrival, first responders from the Fire Department found a strong ammonia smell and vapor escaping from a room inside the plant. A plant technician informed Fire Department personnel that a valve handle broke off while he was repairing a pump in a refrigeration line. The technician was unable to shut off the flow of ammonia and was forced out of the room by rising levels of ammonia vapor.
Newport Police Department and Pacific West Ambulance also assisted on scene. Newport Fire Department responded with a fire engine, water tender, two chief officers and 12 firefighters. There were over 30 responders in total. Using guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation, fire crews initially set up a 1,000-foot safety perimeter. Later, the perimeter was able to be reduced based on readings received from the hazardous materials team. Newport firefighters initially made entry using self-contained breathing apparatus to attempt to shut off the flow of gas. However, they had to withdraw due to the high levels of gas in the room. At this point, the Incident Commander called for assistance from the hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team. Ten HAZMAT specialists from Region 13 HAZMAT responded.
The HAZMAT team, in full encapsulating suits, were able to shut off the flow of ammonia and began to ventilate the room using fans. The team continued to monitor conditions, and after a couple of hours were able to allow plant personnel to re-enter a portion of the facility. A hazardous materials cleanup company removed the remaining liquid.
Newport Fire Department received mutual aid from Toledo Fire Department, Depoe Bay Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire District, and Salem Fire Department HAZMAT Team 13. As required, notification was made by incident responders and plant management staff to state and federal agencies, including the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the U.S. Coast Guard. The facility was turned over to plant personnel and Bay Boulevard was reopened around 8:30 P.M.
On Sunday, 08/13/2017, at approximately 4:00pm, Newport Police Officers responded to a report of a male who had been stabbed near Hwy 101 and 3rd Street. The investigation revealed the suspect, David Jensen, walked up and started violently plunging a sharp weapon into the victim's upper body, causing life-threatening injuries.
The suspect fled the scene on foot. Witnesses followed the suspect at a safe distance until Newport Police Officers, with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, took custody of the subject.
It is unknown at this time why Jensen attacked the victim.
The victim was transported to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital in Newport. Due to the severity of his injuries, the victim was later transported to Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. The victim is now in stable condition.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Cummings at Newport Police Department at 541- 574-3348
On August 4, 2017, Newport Police Officer Randall and canine partner, Nero, conducted a traffic stop at E. Olive and SE Douglas Street, on a vehicle driven by Hannah V. Gumm, 20 of Toledo, OR.
Officer Randall stopped Gumm after observing her operating a black 2000 Chevrolet truck, knowing she did not have valid driving privileges in Oregon and for not displaying a front license plate. The traffic stop revealed that Marion County had a confirmed warrant for her arrest. Officer Randall had Nero search the vehicle. Nero gave several alerts indicating the presence of narcotic odors emitting from the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed the finding of Methamphetamine, Heroin, and packaging material on the locations from Nero's alerts.
Gumm was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the outstanding warrant from Marion County, Delivery/Possession of Methamphetamine, and Delivery/Possession of Heroin. She was also issued traffic citations. Her bail was set at $400,000.00.
The Newport Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they witness, as it may assist law enforcement. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Randall at the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348.
Information Released By: Sergeant Brent Gainer, 541-574-3348