It has come to our attention that Gavin Epperson has posted on social media regarding his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Richard A. Mann. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. It is still too early in the investigation to implicate or fully exonerate any of the involved parties or their actions. The community rightfully holds the expectation that the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office acts only on the facts and evidence related to this case without bias or assumptions.
Prior Releases:
February 24th, 2021: Investigators have interviewed several witnesses and gathered additional evidence related to the events surrounding the shooting death of Richard A. Mann. Law enforcement would like to interview 23-year-old Donovan Eugene Carey-Bennett as a witness to the incident. Anyone who is in contact with Carey-Bennett or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777.
Richard A. Mann was found deceased on the morning of February 20th, 2021 near Government Hill Rd in Siletz, Oregon. The Medical Examiner determined his death was caused by gunfire.
On February 23rd, 2021, investigators from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, and Newport Police Department executed search warrants on two residences in the 500 block of Tolowa Court in Siletz. A vehicle and evidence were seized as a result of the search warrants.
On February 20, 2021, at approximately 6:15 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call reporting an unconscious male laying alongside the road near Government Hill Road in Siletz, Oregon.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located Richard Allen Mann, 36, of Logsden, deceased. Evidence at the scene suggested foul play. The Lincoln County Major crime team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Unit (CID), Oregon State Police Forensics, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
Update- Siletz, OR Homicide Investigation- February 24th, 2021:
Investigators have interviewed several witnesses and gathered additional evidence related to the events surrounding the shooting death of Richard A. Mann. Law enforcement would like to interview 23-year-old Donovan Eugene Carey-Bennett as a witness to the incident. Anyone who is in contact with Carey-Bennett or has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777.
Prior Releases:
Richard A. Mann was found deceased on the morning of February 20th, 2021 near Government Hill Rd in Siletz, Oregon. The Medical Examiner determined his death was caused by gunfire.
On February 23rd, 2021, investigators from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, and Newport Police Department executed search warrants on two residences in the 500 block of Tolowa Court in Siletz. A vehicle and evidence were seized as a result of the search warrants.
On February 20, 2021, at approximately 6:15 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call reporting an unconscious male laying alongside the road near Government Hill Road in Siletz, Oregon.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located Richard Allen Mann, 36, of Logsden, deceased. Evidence at the scene suggested foul play. The Lincoln County Major crime team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Unit (CID), Oregon State Police Forensics, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
Update:
Richard A. Mann was found deceased on the morning of February 20th, 2021 near Government Hill Rd in Siletz, Oregon. The Medical Examiner determined his death was caused by gunfire.
On February 23rd, 2021, investigators from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Lincoln City Police Department, and Newport Police Department executed search warrants on two residences in the 500 block of Tolowa Court in Siletz. A vehicle and evidence were seized as a result of the search warrants.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777 and refer to case 21S-00358.
Original Release:
On February 20, 2021, at approximately 6:15 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call reporting an unconscious male laying alongside the road near Government Hill Road in Siletz, Oregon.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located Richard Allen Mann, 36, of Logsden, deceased. Evidence at the scene suggested foul play. The Lincoln County Major crime team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Unit (CID), Oregon State Police Forensics, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with information please contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777 and refer to case 21S-00358.
On February 20, 2021, at approximately 6:15 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call reporting an unconscious male laying alongside the road near Government Hill Road in Siletz, Oregon.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and located Richard Allen Mann, 36, of Logsden, deceased. Evidence at the scene suggested foul play. The Lincoln County Major crime team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Unit (CID), Oregon State Police Forensics, Toledo Police, Newport Police, Lincoln City Police and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with information please contact Detective Abby Dorsey at 541-265-0777 and refer to case 21S-00358.
In mid-April of 2020, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Toledo Police Department partnered to begin a no-fee medication delivery service for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was well utilized by Lincoln County residents, with deputies or officers making several deliveries per day during its height. After 10 months of operation, the program was utilized for 152 deliveries. Local pharmacies and private delivery services have done an excellent job reaching vulnerable populations for medication. Both the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Toledo Police Department have concluded the program as more services are accessible to community members at this time.
On February 18, 2021, at approximately 3:29 am, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Rose was dispatched to a reported crash near the 5000 block of NE East Devils Lake Rd, Otis. It was reported that a vehicle had left the roadway and struck a house near the location. Members of the Lincoln City Police Department, North Lincoln Fire/Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance also responded to the crash. It was reported that the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Andrew D. Ainslie, 30 years old, of Lincoln City, had initially fled the scene of the crash on foot. Lincoln City Police Officers were able to locate Mr. Ainslie and detain him near the location of the crash. The residents of the struck home were not injured as a result from the crash. Mr. Ainslie’s vehicle was later towed from the location.
Mr. Ainslie was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital by Pacific West Ambulance. Deputy Rose determined through his investigation that at the time of the crash, Mr. Ainslie was under the influence of a controlled substance while operating his motor vehicle. Mr. Ainslie did not sustain injuries from the crash. Deputy Rose issued Mr. Ainslie criminal citations for Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver (Property Damage) and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the Lincoln City Police Department, North Lincoln Fire/Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for their assistance.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: February 18, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
RULES FOR SAFELY HANDLING FIREARMS
Before ever touching a firearm, you need to understand the Four Cardinal Rules of Safe Handling of a firearm. By following these rules, you can help keep yourself, and those around you, safe.
Owning a firearm is a great responsibility; but a firearm is merely a tool and can be dangerous without proper training. An official training course from an accredited and/or experienced instructor is a great option for firearm owners, but all training starts with an interest to gain knowledge of the basics which include knowing how to load and unload, safely store, and properly care for your firearm. As always, be sure to read your owner’s manual completely before starting to use your firearm. The following is a brief overview of the Four Cardinal Rules of Safe Handling of a firearm: (1) assume all are loaded; (2) only point your firearm at your intended target; (3) be certain of your target (and what’s behind it); and (4) keep your finger off the trigger, and out of the trigger guard, until you are ready to fire.
CARDINAL RULE #1: ALWAYS TREAT A FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED
Before touching or even approaching a firearm, it is important to follow the rule that all firearms are always loaded. Regardless of who used it last, where it came from, or what you may believe, every firearm is loaded at all times until proven otherwise. Until you physically and visually inspect the firearm personally, it should be treated as a live firearm. Physically and visually should include the magazine well and chamber of the firearm. Once it leaves your control, it should be considered a loaded firearm again.
CARDINAL RULE #2: ONLY POINT A FIREARM AT AN INTENDED TARGET
If you aren’t willing to fire at something, you shouldn’t point a firearm at it. When using a handgun you have to be particularly careful. While shotguns and rifles usually require two hands to change the direction of the muzzle, handguns are prone to being accidentally pointed in the wrong direction.
CARDINAL RULE #3: BE CERTAIN OF YOUR TARGET, BACKSTOP AND BEYOND
When you do decide to aim at something, you must be 100 percent positive of what you’re aiming at and always know what is in your line of fire, i.e., between and behind you and your target. Bullets can easily pass through a target and travel long distances. Don’t risk anything.
CARDINAL RULE #4: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, OUT OF THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL YOU ARE ON TARGET AND READY TO FIRE
Until you have made the decision to fire, you must keep your finger off of the trigger and outside the guard. Regardless of the type of firearm or situation, your finger never touches the trigger until you are on target and have made the decision to fire. Firearms are designed so they don’t discharge until such time the trigger is manually depressed.
For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: February 11, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
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VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday)
VINE – Victim Information and Notification Everyday is the nation’s leading automated victim notification solution and is available in Oregon. VINE allows crime victims across the country to obtain timely, reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders.
Victims often wish to know the status of an offender that is in the system. Until VINE, it was difficult for officers to provide accurate information to victims.
VINE makes information about the booking and release of inmates housed in county jails and state prisons available to victims at no cost either by telephone or the web. Offender information is collected automatically in near real-time from jail and prison booking systems.
Crime victims can access offender information, any time of the day or night simply by making a telephone call at 1-877-OR-4-VINE (1-877-674-8463) or by accessing the web at www.vinelink.com. Victims can call to inquire whether an offender is held in jail as well as the facility’s location.
Users also can register to be notified immediately of a change in the inmate’s status, such as a release or escape. When a notification is triggered, VINE automatically calls the number or numbers the victim has provided. Calls continue until the victim acknowledges the call by entering a PIN.
VINE supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, and others, so victims from many ethnicities have access to the system.
A free smartphone app is available to iPhone and Droid users called “MobilePatrol”. One of the features of this app is access to the VINE service so you can be notified on your smartphone or ipad. The app is available from the Droid “Play Store” and Apple “App Store”. Once the app is downloaded, select Oregon as your state and then select Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The VINE feature and other features will appear as you scan through the pages of the app.
For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and on your Smartphone via the “MobilePatrol” app and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
TIP OF THE WEEK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 4, 2021
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
iff@co.lincoln.or.us">lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us
"Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk"
It's time for Super Bowl Sunday!! February 7th, 2021. No matter which team you are rooting for, everyone should agree that "Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk". That's the campaign from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. They are encouraging everyone to take part in making sure that football fans across the nation do not drop the ball on this issue.
In most states, drivers are considered alcohol-impaired if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. (Utah recently went to .05 or higher) Drunk driving can be deadly; and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement to make driving unsafe According to the latest figures available from NHTSA, 10,142 people died in traffic crashes in 2019 due to drunk driving.
Be sure to have a game plan for the night so friends and family know who the designated driver will be. We want to encourage fans to turn over their keys to a sober driver – our vote for game MVP – before they begin drinking. Drunk driving can result in serious crashes, injuries or death. If you don’t have an MVP to make sure folks get home safely, consider other ride options. There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The options include using public transportation, calling a taxi, or using a rideshare program.
This Super Bowl weekend, sober designated drivers should be sure to carry the ball and refrain from drinking alcohol. Be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Remember: Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.
For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon
UPDATE- February 2nd, 2021
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue has suspended the operation to locate and rescue Adrian Alonzo Smith. Search and Rescue crews searched the area extensively and have been unable to locate Smith. Despite snow, rain, and wind, SAR teams covered an on-the-ground distance of 483 miles within a primary search area of about eight square miles. Drones, K9s, and forensic cellphone analysis were also unable to shed light on Smith’s whereabouts.
A tip from the public on January 26th reported a location where Smith was seen several days before. The reporter indicated Smith was shirtless in the cold weather, which is a common symptom of severe hypothermia. Smith’s encampment was located on the afternoon of January 30th near where he was reported to have been seen. Food, water, and other supplies appeared to have been untouched since before the recent snowfall began in the area on January 26th. The evidence, weather, and condition of Smith’s camp led investigators to believe the probability of Smith’s survival is too low to continue sustained operations.
Investigators are waiting on better weather conditions to continue search and recovery operations. A definite timeline has not been set, but efforts will likely resume within two weeks. Anyone with information is still encouraged to contact Sr. Dep. Bruce McGuire at (541) 270-3400 or LCSO Dispatch at (541) 265-0777.
Original Release:
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking information related to the disappearance of Adrian Alonzo Smith. Adrian Smith is a 49 year-old male who was last seen on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, when friend dropped him off at the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead. Adrian missed his scheduled pickup the following day and LCSO Search and Rescue was notified. Multple areas were searched over several operational periods, but Adrian could not be located.
There has been a high level of hiking activity in and around the Drift Creek Falls area. It is likely that someone has had contact with Adrian, particularly around the 19th or 20th of January. Adrian is about 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair. He has numerous tattoos on his upper body; most notably a large pair of wings on his back.
Anyone with information regarding Adrian Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact Senior Deputy Bruce McGuire at 541-270-3400 or Lincoln County Dispatch at 541-265-0777.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: January 28, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheriff Curtis Landers
541-265-0654
Elk and Deer Winter Migration
The Central Oregon Coast is experiencing its seasonal cold weather. Although the weather slows down our daily commute, we are not nearly as affected as wildlife, specifically elk and deer.
Natural food sources are lean in the upper elevations in the coast range during the winter as snow falls, covering the ground. This time of year with snow accumulation in the coast range and freezing temperatures periodically down to sea level, elk and deer may move to even lower elevations to find adequate food.
These additional movements often mean that the animals are crossing major roads both day and night which creates hazards to motorists. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like motorists and spectators to be mindful of the animal movements. If you see one deer cross in front of you, chances are there is another one behind.
Please take into account that the animals are often stressed due to additional migration in search of food. When spectating please keep a minimum distance of 100 yards from wildlife. If the animals begin to move from your presence, don’t follow them. Oregon Revised Statute 498.006 does protect the chasing or harassing of wildlife.
For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.