On September 17, 2024 Newport Police took a report of a stolen Toyota Yaris from a residence in Newport.  During the investigation Harley J Wescott, 22 of Newport, was identified as the primary suspect. 

On September 18, 2024, a Newport Police Officer observed the stolen Toyota Yaris driving northbound on Hwy 101 near NW 15^th Street.  The officer lost sight of the vehicle and began searching the area, eventually locating the vehicle parked in the Safeway parking lot. As the officer approached the stolen vehicle, Wescott exited the vehicle and fled into the Safeway store.  Wescott eluded the officer on foot by exiting out the business through an emergency exit on the back of the store.

Newport Police, assisted by OSP and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, converged on the area and began a search for Wescott.  During the search Wescott was observed running towards Sam Case Elementary School. Newport Police worked with school district officials to place the school into a “Code Yellow”. Officers completed an exhaustive search of the area, but did not locate Wescott. Once police determined the area was safe the “Code Yellow” was lifted and the school returned to normal operations. 

On September 22, 2024, Newport Police receive information that Wescott was at a residence on NE 10^th Court and may be trying to leave the area. Newport Police, assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the area and began searching for Wescott. An officer observed Wescott attempting to elude officers on foot and a perimeter was set up in the area of NE 12^th and NE Benton Streets.

Wescott led officers on a long foot pursuit through the Chambers Court, Frank Wade, and San-Bay-O Circle neighborhoods. Wescott was captured after he was located hiding inside the employee area of the Subway restaurant, which he had accessed by entering through an employee entrance door. 

Wescott was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

Harley J Wescott, 22 of Newport, Oregon

Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

Unlawful Use of a Vehicle

Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle

Theft I 

Warrant Arrest  

Information Released By: Sgt. Hallmark, 541-574-3348

On Tuesday September 24^th, 2024 just after 6 pm the Newport Police Department was made aware of a Snapchat post that was being shared online alleging a threat, to a then unknown student(s), and the implication of a school shooting for Wednesday September 25^th, 2024. 

Officers immediately began investigating the source of the threat and, with the assistance of the Lincoln County School District, a suspect was identified and interviewed. 

After a thorough investigation into the matter, it was determined the threat had no validity and there was no active threat to any students or to the school. However, due to the great deal of alarm caused by the threat, the 14-year-old student of Newport High School who made the threat was taken into custody for Disorderly Conduct I, a Misdemeanor, and lodged at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center in Albany.

Although it was determined the statement was made in poor taste, the Newport Police Department and the Lincoln County School District have zero tolerance for threats against schools or the children who attend them. Because the student is a juvenile, their name is not being released. 

The Newport Police Department received numerous calls from concerned parents and school administrators reporting the threat and we would like to thank them for alerting us in a timely fashion so that we could conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of our schools and students. 

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Sgt. Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Sgt Leake, 541-574-3348