Glenwood Arrest

On April 27^th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a robbery in the 4100 block of Franklin Boulevard, Eugene. The victim met an unknown male at a public location to purchase an item being sold online, then again later in the evening to purchase another item. This time they met in a less public area. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim, demanded money, and struck him in the face twice. The victim complied, and then was able to escape.

Detectives identified the suspect as Joshua Randall Welty, 24, of Glenwood. On May 8^th, they located Welty and arrested him for Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. On May 9^th, detectives and deputies served a search warrant in the 1700 block of Concord Street. Additional evidence was located. As of May 16^th, Welty is still in custody.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to always meet in a public place when buying and selling, ideally at a location with cameras.  

McKenzie Safety Info

The Lane County Sheriff's Office is attempting to locate William David McCormick, 52. He is a person of interest in an assault investigation. McCormick was recently last seen in the Vida and McKenzie Bridge area.

If you have any information regarding McCormick’s location, please call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference case #24-2445.

Fallen heroes of Lane County Sheriff's Office

This week marks National Police Week. This week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others while honoring those who commit themselves to the field of law enforcement. Our own county has had many deputies – and even a sheriff – lay down their lives in service to the people of our county.  Join us in remembering their sacrifice. 

Sheriff W. W. Withers

February 7, 1903 - Sheriff William W. Withers was killed attempting to apprehend Elliott Lyons, a horse thief, wanted in Jackson County. The slayer escaped, but a huge posse was formed and he was captured in Creswell under a train that was heading out of town.  In Eugene, Oregon, under the direction of Fred Fisk, a deputy under Withers and a Lane County Judge, witnessed the hanging of Lyons outside the Lane County Courthouse. This was the last public function of the kind in the state.  He was survived by his wife and son. 

Deputy C. Rollin Wicks

May 14, 1937 - Deputy Rollin Wicks was killed by a neighbor during arrest after the man shot and wounded another neighbor while engaged in a dispute. Deputy Wicks was unarmed at the time. Deputies surrounded the house for five hours while tear gas was rushed to the scene from Salem. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after holding off deputies, state police officers, employees of the nearby Booth Kelly Mill and residents of Wendling.

Chief Criminal Detective David Hefner

July 13, 1957 - Chief Criminal Detective David D. Hefner responded to a family disturbance call in the River Road area. During the altercation, Detective Hefner was shot in the back.  Trooper Charles Sanders was shot and killed when he arrived on scene to assist. Detective Hefner spent four months in a local hospital before succumbing to the wound. The suspect was sentenced to 25 years, but was paroled after 9 years. Hefner was survived by his wife and five children.

Deputy Robert Riley

August 17, 1958 - Deputy Robert M. Riley was riding in an off-duty capacity with a Springfield Police Officer and merchant patrolman. While in pursuit of a speeding vehicle that was fleeing the scene of a reported alarm activation, an intoxicated driver turned in front of the patrol car. The officer used evasive measures to avoid the drunk driver, but in doing so ran into a car in a gas station lot and then a telephone pole. Mr. Riley, a Lane County reserve deputy, died as a result of the injuries suffered in the accident. Riley was survived by his wife and son.

Deputy Carlton Smith

July 6, 1965 - Deputy Carlton Smith was killed on his first night of patrol as a solo officer. While making a traffic stop in the area which is now the Valley River Center off ramp, he was shot by Carl Cletus Bowles and Wilford Gray, both escaped convicts. Carl Cletus Bowles escaped from Oregon State Penitentiary custody June of 1974 and was the focus of a huge manhunt in Eugene on June 14, 1974. He subsequently kidnapped a couple from South Eugene and later murdered them in Washington. He was recaptured and convicted of the homicides. Deputy Smith left a widow, Margaret Perdue, five sons and a daughter. Randy Smith became a Captain with the Lane County Sheriff's Office and another son, Don Smith, worked as a Eugene Police officer.  One of his step-grandsons is currently a patrol sergeant at the Sheriff’s Office. 

Detective Roy Dirks

April 11, 1975 - Detective Roy H. Dirks was investigating a drowning incident in the Blue River area when he was shot and killed by Belinda Lederer, a member of the Norman "Snake" Brooks family. Lederer was convicted of manslaughter and Brooks was convicted of hindering prosecution. The suspects belonged to a communal group that had prior contacts with Detective Dirks. Roy previously was a resident deputy in the Cottage Grove area.  He was survived by his four children. 

Sergeant Carl Frazier

October 9, 1979 - Sgt. Carl L. Frazier died of a heart attack climbing a hill during a marijuana eradication investigation near Florence. Sergeant Frazier had served as the supervisor for the Florence outpost of the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

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The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Bi-Mart to again offer free boat inspections to help you get on the water safely! 

Bring your boat to a listed Bi-Mart on the scheduled date and time and a Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Deputy will inspect your boat for free and help make sure you have everything you need.

And for those non-motorized boats (including paddle boards, kayaks, etc.), be sure to always carry a life jacket, whistle/horn and a waterway access permit.

Saturday 5/04/24 -10am-1pm
Junction City Bi-Mart
110 E 6th Avenue

Sunday 5/05/24 - 10am-1pm
Florence Bi-Mart
4310 Highway 101

Saturday 5/11/24 - 10am-1pm
River Road Bi-Mart
2030 River Road

Sunday 5/12/24 - 10am-1pm
Cottage Grove Bi-Mart
100 Gateway Boulevard

Saturday 5/25/24 - 10am-1pm
Springfield Bi-Mart
1521 Mohawk Boulevard

Sunday 5/26/24 - 10am-1pm
Veneta Bi-Mart
25126 Jeans Road

On April 29^th at about 3:30am., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible kidnapping. Deputies were able to track the involved suspect vehicle to the area of Veneta.  Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled east on Highway 126 and then south on Crow Road. The victim was able to communicate she was in the vehicle during the pursuit. 

The vehicle turned up a private driveway and a deputy conducted a PIT maneuver, disabling the vehicle and enabling the victim to escape. 

Deputies arrested Christopher Forrest Stechelin, 29, and lodged him at the Lane County Jail on charges of Elude by Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Coercion, Attempted Unlawful Use of a Vehicle, Robbery in the Third Degree, and False Information to a Peace Officer.  Stechelin was also arrested on an Oregon State Parole Board warrant.  

On April 25^th at about 8 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a dispute with shots fired in the 49200 block of McKenzie Highway. Deputies responded and determined the victim had been transported to the hospital after being shot by a handgun.  

Deputies arrested Daniel Dwayne Hernandez, 42, on charges of Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing APA, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  Hernandez was lodged in the Lane County Jail on 4/25.  He was arraigned while in custody on 4/26 and released by the Circuit Court on an electronic monitoring program on 4/27 after posting bail.

On April 25^th, 2024, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of an assault that had just occurred at an adult foster care facility in the 90700blk of Prairie Rd. in Eugene. Deputies learned that a resident, 46-year-old Levi Nelson, was being violent with other residents and had intentionally struck another resident in the face. 

Upon arrival, deputies attempted to speak with Nelson at which time he tried to grab one of the deputy’s tasers from her duty belt.  The deputy took hold of his arm at which time he pulled away and then began striking her in the head/neck area with a closed fist.  Nelson grabbed hold of another deputy’s holstered firearm as they struggled to get him under control.  Deputies were able to eventually overpower Nelson and get him into custody without any serious injuries being sustained by any of the involved parties. 

Nelson was transported and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Physical Harassment and two counts of Assault on a Public Safety Officer.

Over the past two days, Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives have responded with our partners to three high profile events: the rescue of a kidnapped baby by a double homicide suspect; the homicide of a woman outside of Junction City; and the homicide of a woman in the River Road area.  Due to resource levels, many of the of the same Deputies and Detectives responded to all three events.  

Today, April 25^th at noon, the Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a press event to discuss these incidents.  The press-only event will be held at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.  For more information, contact the number below.  

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UPDATE - Suspect arrested for murder in California

Early this morning, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was advised by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office in California that they arrested Kelley on our warrant for Murder in the Second Degree.  He was arrested without incident and the involved vehicle was recovered.  Kelley is being held pending extradition to Oregon.  

We would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, and many other partners who assisted on this case.  

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On April 24^th 2024, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a deceased adult female at a residence in the 28000 block of Hwy. 36 south of Junction City. Upon arrival, investigators observed the deceased had suspicious injuries that may have contributed to her death. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 49-year-old John Jay Kelley of Eugene.  He is considered a person of interest at this time. Kelley is described as a white male adult with brown hair, green eyes, weighing approximately 220 pounds and standing approximately 5’08” tall.  Kelley is possibly driving a silver 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV bearing Oregon license plate #532PMQ.

Kelley is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. 

*The vehicle depicted is similar in make and model but not the actual vehicle driven by the person of interest in this case

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UPDATE 4/24/24 - Suspect lodged on manslaughter, assault charges

The female victim in this case passed away from her injuries.  Her identity is being withheld at this time.  Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends.

Detectives identified the suspect as Izyk Paul Bartlett, 20, of Eugene.  He was lodged in the Lane County Jail this evening on charges of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  The investigation is ongoing.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Eugene Police Department, Coburg Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and Oregon State Police for their assistance on this case.  

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On April 24^th at about 3 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a dispute with shots fired in the 1000 block of Cinnamon Avenue, Eugene. Eugene Police officers in the area responded with Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies.  A female was located at that scene with a gunshot wound. Investigators were quickly able to determine the identity of the suspect and located his vehicle in the 1000 block of Abbie Lane. Eugene Police SWAT responded and assisted in apprehending the suspect.  All involved have been accounted for and there is no known continuing threat to the public related to this event.  More information will be released as the investigation continues.  

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A message from Sheriff Cliff Harrold:

It’s National Volunteers Week and I’m excited to highlight the outstanding work being done by our very own Lane County Sheriff’s Office volunteers! Although our volunteers steadfastly work all year long, this specific week gives us an opportunity to step back and recognize these hardworking individuals who dedicate their time, efforts, talents and passion to serve the people of Lane County.

Our public service extends beyond the reach of our paid employees in the Corrections, Police Services, and Operations Support Divisions. Our volunteers give their time through a variety of ways, all with the same goal of serving the residents of Lane County. We currently have well over 300 volunteers donating thousands of hours to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and community.

To put the hard work into numbers, our volunteers donate more than 28,000 hours annually, encompassing search and rescue missions, trainings, cold case investigation, public outreach, crime prevention, main office greetings and information, jail library, support groups, and religious services provided to adults in custody. I have listed below several of the programs to give a better idea of the vital functions being handled day in and day out by our volunteers who greatly improve the quality of service we are able to deliver to the Lane County community.

Cold Case Team
Mounted Posse
Reserve Deputy Sheriffs
Cadet Program
Search and Rescue
Crime Prevention Team
Corrections Library/Groups/Religious Services
Main Office Information
Chaplains

We are honored and so fortunate to have every single volunteer as a member of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office family. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your commitment to serve!

- Cliff

For more info on the many ways to serve our county with us, visit www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers Lane County

On April 23rd at about 2 a.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy was responding from the Eugene area to an urgent call for service. The deputy was driving eastbound on Beltline Highway near Delta Highway when the deputy’s vehicle struck a slow-moving vehicle. The deputy and two occupants of the other vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  At the request of the Sheriff’s Office on-duty supervisor, the Eugene Police Department responded and will handle the crash investigation.

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On April 22^nd, a male reported Timothy Leon Shafer, 54, had beat him with a metal T-post, knocking him unconscious and severely injuring him the night before. Deputies contacted the victim and confirmed his injuries. They responded to the 88800 block of Poodle Creek Road, where the incident took place, and located evidence confirming the victim’s account. 

Surprisingly, when deputies arrived, they observed Shafer trespassing along with a female, Ana Maria Teresa Glica, 47, and another male. Shafer and Glica were arrested for Trespass in the Second Degree and lodged in the Lane County Jail. Shafer was also charged with Assault in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Another male on the property was cited in lieu of custody for Trespass in the Second Degree.

Lookout Point Lake Map

On April 19th around noon, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue and Marine Patrol deputies were dispatched to a report of a 59-year-old male in the water at Lookout Point Lake. The male had fallen out of his kayak but was wearing a lifejacket. He was unable to get back in the boat, however, and had been in the water for over 15 minutes. Deputies were able to get the male and his kayaking partner to shore. The male was transported to the hospital to be evaluated for hypothermia.

This call could have turned out tragically had the boaters not been wearing life jackets. Our many lakes and rivers are still frigid from snow melt and cold spring nights. It can take only minutes for even a strong swimmer submerged in the water to lose the ability to swim or even call for help.

Enjoy Lane County’s waterways, but please, ALWAYS wear a life jacket!

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04/22/24 Update: At about 7:20 a.m. on April 22nd, area residents spotted Dimmick in the 91800 block of Mill Creek Road and contacted the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Residents were able to observe and update Dispatch until deputies and Oregon State Police troopers arrived on scene. Dimmick attempted to hide in a port-a-potty, but surrendered after several minutes. He was arrested without further incident and transported to the Lane County Jail, where he was lodged on a Lane County Circuit Court warrant for Kidnap in the Second Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Endangering. He was also charged for Elude by Vehicle and Elude by Foot from the earlier vehicle pursuit.  

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04/21/24 Update: Late in the evening of April 21st, Sheriff's deputies and a K9, Oregon State Police, and a Springfield Police K9 responded to a reported sighting of Dimmick at Terwilliger Hot Springs.  He was reportedly still armed with a sword and was asking for a ride to town. He was not located, and it is unknown if he was given a ride before law enforcement arrived. Anyone who encounters Dimmick is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

Thanks to the Oregon State Police and Springfield Police K9 for their assistance. 

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At about 11 a.m. on April 20^th, deputies and Oregon State Police troopers responded to the area of Terwilliger Hot Springs for a report of a disorderly subject swinging a sword around and inhaling nitrous oxide.  The subject left prior to their arrival, but was then observed driving back toward the hot springs.  A deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  The driver attempted to elude the deputy up gravel Forest Service roads to the south.  They were able to identify the driver as Andrew Hamilton Dimmick, 33, of Crawfordsville, and determined he had several warrants for his arrest.  Eventually the vehicle stopped due to downed trees blocking the road, and Dimmick fled on foot.  A Sheriff’s K9 and two Eugene Police K9s responded and began searching the area along with a drone.  After several hours of searching in difficult terrain, they were unable to locate Dimmick.  

Dimmick is described as 6’4” tall, 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.  He was last seen wearing a green hoodie and blue shorts, and may still be armed with a sword.  If you observe a matching subject or have more information on this case, please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Eugene Police K9s for their assistance on this call.