Lane Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

1/15/25 - LCSO Case #25-0232 - Deputies Arrest DUI Suspect Outside Lane County Public Service Building (Photo) -01/15/25


On January 15th at about 7:30 a.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s sergeant noticed an illegally parked vehicle outside the Lane County Public Service Building (PSB) in the area of Pearl Street and 8th Avenue. The vehicle belonged to William Ray Lighty, 38, of Junction City. Lighty had been reported the night before as suicidal and possibly armed with a handgun. He appeared to be sleeping in the driver’s seat.

Due to the prior report and proximity to the PSB, several deputies responded and used a drone to inspect the vehicle from the outside. Lighty was initially uncooperative, but then complied with instructions from deputies and was safely detained. A search of the vehicle revealed ammunition, but no firearms.
 
Deputies observed signs Lighty was impaired. After further investigation, he was arrested for DUI and lodged at the Lane County Jail.

Attached Media Files: Arrest.jpeg,

Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies Attempt To Locate Prolific Burglar In Veneta Area (Photo) -01/15/25

In October of 2024, a restaurant, residence, and market in the Veneta area were all burglarized within a two-week period. Deputies identified one of the suspects as Austin James Blaylock, 30, of Veneta.  


Deputies served search warrants at two residences associated with Blaylock in the Veneta area and located evidence linking him to the crimes. Blaylock was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on two counts of Burglary in the 1st Degree, four counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, five counts of Theft in the 1st Degree, Theft in the 2nd Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. Blaylock is still in custody as of January 14th.  


Deputies identified Charles Guy Younkin-Stec, 33, of Veneta, as an additional suspect in the burglaries. Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant at his trailer, located in the 88300 block of Ridiculous Road. Before deputies served the search warrant, Crow High School was burglarized. More than $10,000 dollars worth of items were stolen.  


Deputies served the warrant on Younkin-Stec's trailer. Evidence was discovered linking him to each of the previous burglaries, including the burglary of the high school, as well as a recent burglary of an RV storage facility and an older burglary of Crow High School. Deputies learned Linn County discovered evidence linking Younkin-Stec to a residential burglary from earlier in the summer.  


Deputies have been unable to locate and arrest Younkin-Stec for the seven listed burglaries, in part because of the lack of cooperation from area residents associated with him. Younkin-Stec has caused substantial hardships and financial loss to Veneta-area businesses, residents, and our students.  
 

Anyone with information on Younkin-Stec's location is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.  

Attached Media Files: Younkin-Stec.jpeg,

1/14/25 - LCSO Case #25-0070 - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Eugene Man During Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Investigation (Photo) -01/14/25

On January 14th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence south of Eugene. The search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation. 
 

The suspect, Andrew John Hruby, 20, was contacted and arrested. Hruby was lodged at the Lane County Jail on ten counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree. Currently there is no indication of any local victims involved in the case, and the charges are for the possession, not production, of child pornography. 
 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Springfield Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Department of Justice. 
 

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time. 

Attached Media Files: Arrest.jpg,

1/13/25 - LCSO Case #23-5715 - Lane County Man Sentenced In Sex Abuse Case (Photo) -01/14/25

On October 31st, 2023, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives began investigating allegations of sex abuse against a minor. The suspect, Jeffery Allen Adams, 43, was reportedly the foster parent of the juvenile victim. Detectives quickly developed probable cause to arrest Adams for multiple sex crimes against the juvenile victim.
While attempting to locate Adams, detectives received information he was on his way to the location of the minor victim. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies moved quickly to intercept Adams before he could contact the victim. Adams was located and stopped less than a mile from the victim’s location. He was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on several counts of Sex Abuse and Sodomy.
On January 13th, 2025, Adams plead guilty to one count of Rape in the Second Degree, four counts of Rape in the Third Degree, and two counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree. Adams was sentenced to 120 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Attached Media Files: Convicted.jpeg,

UPDATE - 1/13/25 - LCSO Case #25-0180 - Deputies Arrest Suspect In The McKenzie Bridge Area (Photo) -01/13/25

UPDATE: The suspect, Travos Bechtol, was located and arrested around 4:45 p.m.
 
--
On January 13th, a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the McKenzie District located a stolen vehicle. Two suspects were detained. A third suspect, identified as Travos James Bechtol, 30, of Veneta, ran from deputies.

Bechtol was last seen by an area resident on January 13th around 4 p.m. as he attempted to break into a house in the area of Taylor Road and McKenzie Highway.

Anyone with information about Bechtol’s whereabouts is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4141 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

Attached Media Files: Info.jpeg, Bechtol.jpeg,

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes K9 Tito To Patrol (Photo) -01/13/25

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is proud to introduce K9 Tito, our newest fugitive apprehension canine. Tito is a mix of German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois from Czechoslovakia, giving him a strong work drive and some extra muscle. Tito was imported by Alabama Canine and trained with a U.S. Army Ranger Battalion before he was selected. Tito went through an additional six-week handler class in Oregon, where he excelled in tracking and apprehension work.
 
K9 Tito’s handler, Deputy Luke Thomas, has worked at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for 8 years, and has been a K9 handler for 2 years. In 2025, Deputy Thomas and his previous K9 Bruno won first place in the 2024 Springfield Police Department K9 Competition.
 
Tito’s favorite thing to do is chase a kong around his yard, but he got right to work once signed off to patrol.
 
On December 16th, Tito was deployed at the Gettings Creek Rest Area to assist Oregon State Police with locating a suspect who eluded in a vehicle at over 100 miles per hour. The suspect was found sitting approximately 100 feet from the car. Tito tracked directly to him, confirming it was the driver, who was arrested for DWS Felony, Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, and other charges.
 
The following night, Tito responded to the 1800 block of Ferry Street to assist Eugene Police with a burglary suspect who had fled on foot. Tito tracked to a backyard fenced area and located the suspect hiding in a staircase. He was arrested and charged with Burglary in the 1st Degree.
 
Early Christmas morning, Tito was deployed in Lowell to locate a drunk driver who fled the scene of a crash. When Tito found him hiding in a backyard, the suspect ran until challenged by the K9. The driver gave up and was arrested for DUI, Hit & Run - Property Damage, and Reckless Driving.
 
K9 Bruno, who recently retired, worked in California as an apprehension and narcotics detection dog before being transferred to Lane County as a “rescue” when the agency he worked for ended their K9 program. Bruno was deployed on 37 calls, and tallied up 15 captures with LCSO.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is supported by community donations, which funded the purchase of Tito. All donations go directly to the K9 program to supply food, veterinary care, and equipment. Learn more and donate at: https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/about_us_-_now_and_then/police_services_division/k9_unit

Attached Media Files: 1.jpeg, 2.jpeg, 3.jpeg, 4.jpeg, 1.jpeg, 2.jpeg, Tito.jpeg,

1/8/25 - LCSO Case #25-0105 - Deputies Investigating Fatal House Fire On Noraton Road North Of Junction City -01/09/25

On January 8th at about 7 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 95400 block of Noraton Road north of Junction City, at the request of fire personnel. A residence in the area was on fire, and fire personnel confirmed a person was deceased inside. He was later identified as Gordon Dale Dawson, 58, of Junction City.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident along with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Junction City Police and Junction City Fire Departments for their assistance on this incident.   

LCSO Case #25-0006 - Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Juvenile In Glenwood Voyeur Case -01/07/25

On January 1st, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies began investigating a report of an individual who peered through the window of a residence in the middle of the night. The victim reported the suspect broke through her fence to access the yard, and her young child was sleeping near where the suspect stood.
 
On January 7th, deputies arrested a 14-year-old juvenile in the case for Trespass in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. Due to the charges being misdemeanors, the juvenile was released to parents and the case will be forwarded to the Juvenile Division of the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public’s assistance in this case.

01/06/25 - LCSO Case #24-6811 - Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Continuing Search For Missing Cottage Grove Man -01/06/25

On December 28th, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office began searching for 61-year-old Robert Ray Bennett II of Cottage Grove. Bennett was last seen standing on the bank of Brice Creek at a campsite east of Cedar Creek Campground on Brice Creek Road, east of Disston. After further investigation, it is believed Bennett fell into Brice Creek, which was running near historically high flow rate at the time.
 
Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue searched the area extensively with drones, K9s, and ground searchers. As water levels drop, Search & Rescue continues to search the Brice Creek, Row River, and Dorena Lake area.
 
Bennett is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’10” tall and weighing about 165 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and stubble facial hair. Bennett has a hunched posture and issues walking. He was last seen wearing a maroon coat, black shirt, suspenders, tan wranglers, and cowboy boots.
 
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

1/6/25 - LCSO Case #24-0068 - Deputies Investigating Fatal House Fire In River Road Area Of Eugene -01/06/25

On January 6th at about 1:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 200 block of River Loop 2, Eugene, at the request of fire personnel. A residence in the area was on fire with a person believed to be inside. Fire personnel later confirmed a person was deceased inside. Their identity is being withheld at this time.  

The roadway was closed through the morning as firefighters brought fire under control. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident along with Lane Fire Authority’s Fire Marshal and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank Oregon State Police and Eugene Springfield Fire for their assistance on this incident.  

1/6/25 - River Loop 2 Closed Due To Active Housefire, Investigation -01/06/25

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is on scene assisting fire personnel with an active house fire in the 200 block of River Loop 2, Eugene.

Due to the fire, River Loop 2 is expected to be closed through the morning commute hours from Scenic Drive to Shannon Street. Please use alternate routes.

More details will be released when they become available.

01/02/25 - Sheriff Harrold And Deputies Respond To Crashes, Make Several DUI Arrests Over The Holidays -01/02/25

On December 25th, 2024, at 12:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash on N. Moss Street, Lowell. One of the drivers, Jesse Owen Clark, 54, had fled the scene before they arrived. Deputies located Clark nearby with the assistance of a patrol K9 and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Clark was arrested for DUI, Hit & Run - Property Damage, and Reckless Driving.
 
On December 29th around 1 a.m., deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Beacon Drive, with a vehicle in the water. Fire personnel assisted the driver, Iyanna Corrin Lee, 21, from the vehicle and advised deputies of possible impairment. Deputies contacted Lee and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Lee was arrested for DUI.
 
On January 1st, 2025, at a few minutes past midnight, Sheriff Harrold observed a driver turn into oncoming traffic in the area of Ware Lane and Hunsaker Lane and initiated a traffic stop. The Sheriff observed signs the driver, Erin Rose Lambert, 37, of Eugene, was impaired. After additional investigation, Lambert was arrested for DUI.
 
On January 1st at about 12:20 a.m., a deputy observed a vehicle driving inconsistent speeds and failing to drive in its lane in the area of Highway 126 and Central Road. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver, Austin Ray Vanbaale, 30, of Eugene. The deputy observed signs of impairment, and after additional investigation Vanbaale was arrested for DUI.
 
A few hours later, deputies were advised by Eugene Police that a female, Briseida Escalera Reyes, 29, of Eugene, was driving around looking for Vanbaale, and had been reported to them as a drunk driver. Deputies contacted Reyes when she drove home, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Reyes was also arrested for DUI.
 
On January 1st at about 4 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a single vehicle crash into a power pole on Howard Lane, north of Junction City. The pole was knocked down, cutting power to nearby homes and creating a significant hazard for first responders. Deputies located the driver, Rogelio Mateo Vazquez, 23, of Harrisburg, at an area hospital, and observed signs of impairment. After additional investigation, Vazquez was arrested for DUI and Driving While Suspended - Misdemeanor.
 
Please consider others on the road in the new year:
- Plan your safe ride home ahead of time
- If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason
- If you know someone has been drinking or using drugs, don't let them drive
- If you host a party with alcohol, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver
- And please, always wear your seatbelt!

12/27/24 - LCSO Case #24-6800 – Law Enforcement Investigating Homicide, Officer-involved Shooting Near Tidewater (Photo) -12/27/24

-- UPDATE -- 12/27/24 - LCSO Case #24-6800 - Suspect arrested for Murder in the 2nd Degree 

On the afternoon of December 27th, Everett Scott Fuller turned himself in to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Fuller was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree. 

Further investigation revealed that a resident had fired shots toward law enforcement after they arrived on scene. This resident was struck by gunfire from law enforcement and died from their injuries, but was later determined not to be Fuller. 

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on traumatic event leave as is standard protocol in deadly force incidents. The investigation is being conducted by the Lane County Inter-Agency Deadly Force Investigation Team (IDFIT), pursuant to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office Deadly Force Plan under Senate Bill 111 of the 2007 Oregon Legislative Session. IDFIT is comprised of investigators from the Oregon State Police, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Eugene Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Cottage Grove Police Department, and Florence Police Department. Any further information on this case will be released by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. 

-- Previous News Release:  

On December 26th at about 10 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies, Oregon State Troopers, and Springfield Police officers responded to a residence in the 95000 block of E. Five Rivers Road, Tidewater, for a report of a dispute with shots fired. A caller reported one person was deceased. When law enforcement personnel arrived and attempted contact with people at the property, an officer-involved shooting occurred. One resident was struck by gunfire and died from their injuries. No officers were injured.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 55-year-old Everett Scott Fuller of Tidewater. He is considered a person of interest at this time. Fuller is described as a white male adult with gray hair, gray beard, hazel eyes, weighing approximately 170 pounds and standing approximately 5’11” tall.
Fuller is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
Law Enforcement is still on scene investigating. Please avoid the area. Anyone with information please call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

Attached Media Files: Fuller.jpeg,

12/27/24 - LCSO Case #24-6800 – Law Enforcement Investigating Homicide, Officer-involved Shooting Near Tidewater (Photo) -12/27/24

On December 26th at about 10 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies, Oregon State Troopers, and Springfield Police officers responded to a residence in the 95000 block of E. Five Rivers Road, Tidewater, for a report of a dispute with shots fired. A caller reported one person was deceased. When law enforcement personnel arrived and attempted contact with people at the property, an officer-involved shooting occurred. One resident was struck by gunfire and died from their injuries. No officers were injured.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 55-year-old Everett Scott Fuller of Tidewater. He is considered a person of interest at this time. Fuller is described as a white male adult with gray hair, gray beard, hazel eyes, weighing approximately 170 pounds and standing approximately 5’11” tall.
 
Fuller is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
 
Law Enforcement is still on scene investigating. Please avoid the area. Anyone with information please call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

Attached Media Files: Fuller.jpeg,

12/25/24 - LCSO Case #24-6784 - Lane County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Saves Lost Person On Christmas Day (Photo) -12/26/24

On December 24th at about 6 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing mushroom picker in the area of Big Fall Creek. The person was somewhat prepared for the weather, but not to stay out overnight.
 
Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue responded and searched the area until the early morning hours without success. They resumed the search Christmas morning, and also deployed a drone to assist in the search. At about 10 a.m., the SAR team found the subject. After warming the subject and providing dry clothes, they hiked out of the area and reunited the person with friends.
 
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many SAR volunteers involved in the search who gave up their Christmas eve or Christmas morning with family to make sure the missing person was rescued.

Attached Media Files: Winberry.png,

12/24/24 - Deputies Arrest Several DUIs Over Weekend -12/24/24

On Friday, December 20th, at about 9 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Cottage Grove Police responded the area of Nichols Lane in Cottage Grove for a report of a 2003 Acura RSX that was driving at a high rate of speed before crashing into a power pole. The driver ran from the vehicle before medics or police arrived. Through investigation, deputies identified the driver as Ryan Michael Best, 28, and located him at an area hospital. Deputies observed signs of impairment, and after further investigation Best was arrested and cited in lieu of custody at the hospital for DUI and Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver - Property Damage. He was also cited for Driving While Suspended and Driving Uninsured, and the vehicle was impounded.  

About three hours later, deputies responded to Dillard Road at Sisters Loop for another crash into a power pole, involving a 2014 Subaru Forester. A deputy observed signs the driver, Thomas James Coffin, 35, was impaired. After investigating, Coffin was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, and the vehicle was impounded.  

On Sunday, December 22nd at about 6 p.m., a deputy observed a driving violation on Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy. in Springfield and initiated a traffic stop. The deputy observed signs the driver, Chandler Chase Valenzuela, 24, was impaired. After investigating, Valenzuela was arrested and cited in lieu of custody for DUI.  

About three hours later, deputies responded to a dispute in the 38000 block of Highway 58, Dexter. Upon arrival, they discovered an off-road motorcycle had crashed and the rider, Lukas Homer Wayne Humphrey, 40, had significant injury. Deputies observed signs of impairment, and after further investigation Humphrey was arrested and cited in lieu of custody at the hospital for DUI.  

Please consider others on the road this holiday season: 
- Plan your safe ride home ahead of time  
- If someone you know has been drinking or using drugs, don't let them get behind the wheel  
- If you drink or use drugs, do not drive (or ride) for any reason  
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver  
- And please, always wear your seatbelt (or helmet)!   

12/20/24 - LCSO Case 24-6574 - Lane County Sheriff's Deputies Locate Stolen Equipment, Guns, Illegal Marijuana At Licensed Marijuana Grow (Photo) -12/23/24

On December 20th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies served a search warrant at a residence in the 86000 block of Mahogony Lane, south of Springfield. Detectives had conducted a months-long investigation after a traffic stop in Illinois turned up 242 pounds of marijuana.

The investigation led back to the address on Mahogany Lane, which was a licensed OLCC marijuana growing location. It was determined marijuana was illegally being diverted out of state. During the execution of the warrant, over 2,000 pounds of marijuana was found on the premises. About half of the marijuana was being illegally secreted in the residence on the property, which was not part of the licensed area where marijuana could be kept. The marijuana in the residence was also not in the OLCC tracking system. Lane County’s Land Management Code Compliance Program will be following up with code violations discovered on the property.

Deputies also located several high-value stolen trailers, stolen tractors, and two stolen firearms, one of which was a suppressed AR-15. Numerous other firearms were also seized.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on this case by the Drug Enforcement Administration and OLCC. This investigation would not have been possible without the ongoing grant funding from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission’s Illegal Marijuana Market Grant (IMMEG). This grant was created in 2018 by the Oregon Legislature to assist local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices in their efforts to address the illegal marijuana market in Oregon.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details will be provided at this time. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact LCSO at 541-682-4141 and reference case #24-6574.

Attached Media Files: Marijuana.jpeg, Firearms.jpeg,

Scam Targets Family Members Of Adults In Custody At The Lane County Jail (Photo) -12/21/24

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office was recently made aware of a scam targeting family members of adults in custody at the Lane County Jail.

The scammers appear to be looking up the current bookings, then calling family members to request payment for the person to be released on an ankle monitor or with other conditions, usually which require additional payments.

The scammers use official sounding titles, claiming the person in custody will be released for mental health treatment. However, the method of payment is typically Venmo or Apple Pay, and a link is texted or emailed for payment.

Pre-Trial Services, which handles jail releases for the Lane County Circuit Court, ONLY accepts payment IN PERSON at the Lane County Jail.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER ask for money by phone, text, or email.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Lane County Sheriff's Office employee and you think you are being scammed, please hang up and contact our dispatch center at 541-682-4141.

If you are a victim of a phone or internet scam, report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

Please share with your friends and family!
 

Attached Media Files: page.jpeg,

12/16/24 - Deputies Arrest Several DUI Drivers Over Past Week (Photo) -12/20/24

On Friday, December 13th at about 6 p.m., Cottage Grove Police requested a deputy respond to the 77500 block of S. 6th Street, Cottage Grove. A 2004 Chevy pickup backed into an ambulance that was on scene for another call. The deputy assisted with the crash investigation. After investigating, Cottage Grove Police arrested the driver for DUI.

Later that evening around 11 p.m., a deputy working the Veneta contract was almost struck in their patrol car in a parking lot by a driver, later identified as Destiny Lee Haley, 20, of Veneta. The deputy observed the driver on a cell phone. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and observed signs Haley was impaired. After investigating, Haley was arrested and a family member was called to retrieve the vehicle.

On Saturday, December 14th at about 9:30 p.m., deputies responded to a crash in the 37000 block of Parsons Creek Road. A white 2005 Chevy pickup had crashed in the ditch, destroying mailboxes and a fence. A deputy observed signs the driver, Michael Arthur Cramblit, 66, of Springfield, was impaired. After investigating, Cramblit was arrested and his vehicle was towed.

On Monday, December 16th at about 8 p.m., deputies responded to the 39900 block of Brice Creek Road for a report of an intoxicated driver who was intentionally ramming another vehicle. The driver, Jeffery Lee Bolish, left in his vehicle, but deputies located him nearby. After investigating, Bolish was arrested for DUI and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree.

As we head into the holiday season, please consider others on the road:

- Plan your safe ride home ahead of time

- If someone you know has been drinking or using drugs, don't let them get behind the wheel

- If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason

- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver

- And please, always wear your seatbelt!

Attached Media Files: DUI.jpeg,

12/13/24 - Lane County Sheriff's Office Receives Several Awards From The Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon State Marine Board -12/17/24

Each year, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) recognizes employees and volunteers from the 36 sheriff’s offices around the state for exemplary work. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) also honors those who have gone above and beyond. This year, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received several awards, all in service to the community we call home.  

 

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) Instructor of the Year 

Deputy Eric Churchill 

Deputy Churchill (4th from the left), is an asset and is very committed to the OSMB education training program. “He consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers, making a tremendous impact on their learning through varying training methods that are thorough, professional, and exciting,” according to Eddie Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator. 

 

OSSA Jail Deputy of the Year 

Deputy Guadalupe Torres 

Deputy Guadalupe Torres exemplifies the highest standards of dedication and professionalism within the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude set a gold standard, inspiring colleagues to strive for excellence. 

As a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and the only female member of the Special Operations Response Team, she plays a pivotal role in managing high-risk situations and mental crises. Additionally, she co-founded the Corrections Crisis Intervention Team and is bilingual in Spanish, frequently assisting with translation needs across the agency. Deputy Torres' lifesaving actions during a critical event further demonstrate her commitment, earning her a nomination for a lifesaving award. Her dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve make her an invaluable asset to the agency. 

 

OSSA Region 3 Volunteer of the Year 

Nick Wedmore 

Nick Wedmore has been a dedicated volunteer with the Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team for many years, beginning his service in the mid-1960s with Explorer Post 178. After a break to pursue other endeavors, Nick returned to Lane County SAR in 2001, where he quickly became a key advisor and leader. Over the past 22 years, he has played a vital role in hundreds of search operations, including high-profile cases like the Kyron Horman and Shawn Higgins searches and the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. 

Since 2015, Nick has volunteered over 5,000 hours, and his calm demeanor and extensive experience have made him one of the few volunteers trusted to manage search operations independently. Nick's positive attitude and dedication have had an immeasurable impact on SAR, earning the respect of the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff. 

 

OSSA Meritorious Service Award  

Communications Network Coordinator Brian Greig  

During his six years with the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Brian Greig has exemplified exceptional dedication as a radio network coordinator, playing a vital role in ensuring continuous communication for emergency responders. Brian’s contributions extend beyond routine duties, as he has been instrumental in maintaining and improving the county's radio system, ensuring its reliability during critical incidents like the 2017 snowstorm, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, and the 2024 ice storm. 

Brian transformed the Sheriff's Office's radio system from a patchwork of verbal agreements to a robust, sustainable network, a change that has been crucial in emergencies. His commitment to keeping emergency responders connected is evident in his readiness to respond at any hour, often sacrificing personal time with his family to prevent communication failures. Whether it's assisting the Lane Regional Interoperable Group (LRIG) or troubleshooting complex system issues, Brian is the go-to expert for technical questions, underscoring his deep understanding of this complicated system. 

A prime example of Brian’s extraordinary service occurred on January 14, 2024, during an ice storm that knocked out power to a crucial radio site. Brian’s quick thinking and action—working with public works teams to clear roads and coordinating with technicians to restore power—prevented a catastrophic communication failure for emergency personnel across Lane County, Eugene, Springfield, and beyond. 

Brian’s tireless dedication and expertise have saved the radio network multiple times. His strong relationships with state agencies, including ODOT, further illustrate his value, as he was trusted to fix their equipment and restore statewide communications.