Friday, July 1, 2011

Grand Jury rules police use of deadly force justified in 6/15/11 shooting

News Release from: Marion Co. District Attorney's Office
GRAND JURY RULES POLICE USE OF DEADLY FORCE JUSTIFIED IN 6/15/11 SHOOTING
Posted: July 1st, 2011 7:11 PM

A Marion County Grand Jury heard evidence this past week in relation to a Mt. Angel Police Officer involved shooting that occurred on 6/15/2011 at around 3:45 pm. The person shot, Lloyd Schafer, was treated for gunshot wounds and released from the hospital after two days. The Grand Jury found the police officer's use of deadly physical force was justified under the circumstances in which it was used

On June 15, 2011 at approximately 3:44 pm Officer Steven McDonough was operating a marked Mt. Angel patrol car in the city of Mt. Angel when he attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Lloyd Schafer for traffic violations. When Schafer failed to stop for officers, and after Schafer's vehicle struck Officer McDonough's patrol car, Officer Charpilloz of the Mt. Angel police department also began trying to stop Schafer's vehicle. Eventually Schafer drove around a fence at the dead end of south Sheridan Street and his vehicle became stuck. As Officer's McDonough and Charpilloz attempted to perform a felony stop, giving Schafer and his passenger commands, Schafer and his passenger ran into long grass near where their vehicle was stuck.

Officer McDonough was pursuing suspect Schafer on foot though the long grass when Schafer suddenly stopped, turned around, and ran towards Officer McDonough with his hands in an aggressive posture. Schafer was looking at the gun Officer McDonough was holding in his left hand as he lunged towards the Officer. Officer McDonough shot Schafer when he failed to comply with officer commands and ran directly at him putting him in fear for his own safety and that of Officer Charpilloz. Schafer was approximately 8-10 feet away from Officer McDonough when he was shot in the side of the abdomen and in the arm. After Schafer went to the ground he continued to move around, at which time Officer McDonough deployed his tazer for one 5 second cycle. Following the tazer, Schafer said he was "done" and the officers immediately called for medics. Schafer was taken to OHSU where he was interviewed regarding the incident a few hours later. The Marion County Homicide Assault Response Team w
as brought in and conducted a thorough investigation into the officer involved use of force pursuant to Senate Bill 111.

The Marion County Grand Jury heard from seven witnesses and listened to Schafer's entire recorded interview regarding the incident. Witnessess included Officer McDonough, eyewitness Officer Charpilloz, and Detectives from Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police who investigated the use of force incident. The Grand Jury also reviewed medical records, photographs and diagrams of the scene and evidence collection. The Grand Juries determination that Officer McDonough was justified in his use of deadly force required them to find Officer McDonough reasonably believed deadly force was or was about to be used against him or a third party.

Because Mr. Schafer may face criminal charges involving this particular incident, the DA's office will not authorize release of reports until after those charges have been resolved.

Questions about this press release should be directed to Deputy District Attorney Jodie Bureta 503-588-5222.

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Holiday Safety Tips

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
Posted: June 30th, 2011 10:32 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45805/Boater_Safety.jpg (Focus on Boater Safety)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45805/Highway_Safety.jpg (Extra Patrols on the Roads)
The Fourth of July Holiday weekend is only days away, and it's looking like we'll have great weather! The Marion County Sheriff's Office would like to wish all of its residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable holiday, but also want to encourage them to enjoy it responsibly.
If you're headed for Detroit Lake or the North Santiam River this weekend, remember that the water temperatures are still well below normal for this time of year. Cold water speeds the onset of hypothermia & fatigue and can catch a normally strong swimmer off guard. Additionally, river currents are running strong and fast with the higher water levels.
Take extra precautions. Wear life vests and watch your children carefully. Boaters are encouraged to wear their life vests while on the water and remember that the requirement for life vests is the same for rafts and canoes as it is for motorboats.
Sheriff's Marine Patrols at Detroit Lake will increase this weekend due to the expected crowds of boaters coming to watch the 10:00pm fire works show on Saturday July 2nd. The Yamhill Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol and the Newberg Fire & Rescue Team will be joining our Office to provide an additional level of service to boaters on the lake. Our MCSO volunteer group will be assisting at the boat ramps and they will also have a safety boat on the lake to provide tows if needed.
Commander Eric Hlad reminds boaters to avoid operating a boat after consuming alcohol. "Operating a boat while under the influence of intoxicants is a crime in Oregon and can come with a $5000.00 fine and up to a year in jail. Be safe and boat sober".

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Quick Reaction Saves Girl from Stranger

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
QUICK REACTION SAVES GIRL FROM STRANGER
Posted: June 30th, 2011 3:38 PM

Two members of the Marion County Traffic Safety Team were on their lunch break this afternoon when they heard the sounds of a young female screaming for help.

At about 12:10pm, Sergeant Craig Cunningham and Sr. Deputy Kevin Ely were picking up a sandwich at Quiznos, 605 Lancaster Drive, in Salem. They were approached by a panicked 15-year old female who told them a man had just tried to coax her into a car.

The female said she had just gotten off a transit bus to go shopping. She was walking through the parking lot near Wendy's when a male passenger got out of a 1999 Ford Expedition. He walked toward her to her, trying to coax her into joining him in the car. He was described as a Hispanic male in his 30's, possibly named JT.

The young lady became very scared, and upon spotting the parked Marion County Sheriff's cars nearby, she ran toward them, yelling to the man that she was calling the police. The man quickly returned to the car and it sped away, northbound on Lancaster Drive NE.

Sergeant Cunningham stayed with the victim to gather more information as Deputy Ely started searching the area for the car. He located it about a mile way, but the passenger who approached the girl was not inside. The two occupants were questioned about the incident, but claimed the third subject was acting alone. The said the male suspect had fled before being stopped by Ely. They told Ely they knew him only as JT". The victim confirmed that the two suspects stopped had said nothing to her.

Deputy Ely will continue his investigation. The two Ely stopped were identified and released with a stern warning about the possible consequences of the suspect's actions. There was not enough evidence to hold them. The information will be checked against any prior crimes of this nature.

Deputy Ely commented, "The victim in this incident did exactly what she should have done. Her quick thinking saved her from becoming a crime victim".

Parents are encouraged to educate their children on protect themselves from strangers.

For more crime prevention information, go to our website: http://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Operations/programs/

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Propane Gas Leak Incident Update

News Release from: Salem Fire Dept.
PROPANE GAS LEAK INCIDENT UPDATE
Posted: June 30th, 2011 11:51 AM
Salem Fire Department has cleared the incident regarding the leaking propane tank at North Salem High School located in the 700 block of 14th Street NE. Salem, Oregon
Tank was damaged when tank was being moved by roofing contractor.
Salem Hazardous Materials Team was able to remove the damaged value and seal the opening.
The damaged tank was removed by the Propane Company.
No injuries report.

Salem Fire Dept. - THU 10:07am

Salem Fire Dept.: Salem Fire Department Media Alert "Incident in Progress"
What: Propane Gas Leak
Where: North Salem High School, 700 Block of 14th Street NE
Time of Call: 08:30 AM
At gas leak was reported at North Salem High School, located in the 700 Block of NE 14th Street, Salem, Oregon. A large propane tank was being moved by a roofing contractor when the damage occurred
All buildings at the campus have been evacuated. The hazard at this time is isolated to the school campus.
The school has canceled all classes, day care and meetings for the remaining of day.
Salem Fire Fighters are still on the scene and will continue monitoring the situation.
Laird Case
Deputy Fire Marshal
Salem Fire Department
503-932-5772

Sheriff's Office Mourns the Passing of Deputy Kathleen Fox

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
SHERIFF'S OFFICE MOURNS THE PASSING OF DEPUTY KATHLEEN FOX
Posted: June 30th, 2011 9:24 AM

Deputy Kathleen Fox was known to her co-workers as a hard working, compassionate deputy. She came to work at the Marion County Sheriff's Office on September 12th, 2005. Kathy died on June 26th after a courageous battle with cancer.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hikers Rescued After Spending the Night in the Woods

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
HIKERS RESCUED AFTER SPENDING THE NIGHT IN THE WOODS
Posted: June 29th, 2011 3:56 PM
Two Silverton hikers are resting at home after unexpectedly spending the night in the woods near Crooked Finger Road, east of Scotts Mills.
Joshua Rogers, 18, and Steven Vaughn, 20, left Silverton at 5:00pm, Tuesday evening for a hike in the area of Camp Dakota. Family members called the Marion County Sheriff's Office early Wednesday morning to report that hadn't returned home as expected. The hikers were not equipped with camping gear, but did have some water and cell phones. The family was able to send occasional text messages, but the hikers were unable to provide details as to their location. Ultimately, their cell phone batteries went dead. Due to coverage issues, the cell provider was unable to pin-point their location.
Sr. Deputy Dave Zahn organized a search effort, but held off sending searchers into the woods until daylight. Family members and friends assisted in the search, and located the hiker's 1991 Jeep on Abiqua Road, west of Crooked Finger Road.
Twenty five members of the Marion County Search & Rescue Team 18 and Jeep Patrol responded to the area to assist in the search. Around 7:46am, Vaughn's father heard his son yelling for assistance but due to the dense terrain, he was unable to get to him.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Five Employees Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
FIVE EMPLOYEES CITED FOR SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS
Posted: June 28th, 2011 5:00 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45747/Alcohol_-_know_the_law.jpg (Obey the Law - Check ID)
Marion County Deputies along with inspectors from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission recently conducted a minor sales check to see if businesses that sell alcohol were complying with Oregon statute prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.

Two- Alarm House Fire

News Release from: Salem Fire Dept.
TWO- ALARM HOUSE FIRE
Posted: June 28th, 2011 12:02 PM
Salem Fire Fighters responded to a one-story residential structure fire located at 2500 Block of Carleton Way NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 on June 28, 2011 at approximately 9:52 AM.

Commercial tanker truck crash and fire

Oregon State Police: Commercial tanker truck crash and fire - Highway 26 east of city of Warm Springs near milepost 109 - Tanker reportedly off highway down embankment on fire - No information on occupant status - Fire, police and ODOT on scene - Roadway blockage reported, no more info at this time - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com.
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Sheriff Jason Myers Releases MCSO Annual Report for 2010

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
SHERIFF JASON MYERS RELEASES MCSO ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2010
Posted: June 28th, 2011 9:04 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45722/Sheriff_Myers.JPG (Sheriff Jason Myers)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45722/Annual_Report_2010.pdf (PDF file of 2010 Annual Report)
Sheriff Jason Myers has released the Marion County Sheriff's Office annual report for 2010.
The report is prepared with our community in mind. It's a way for us to show a return on their investment in the Marion County Sheriff's Office. The report contains details about crime trends, highlights some of the programs in place, and showcases some of the men and women who work to provide public safety in Marion County.
Sheriff Myers would also like to point out several additional areas of focus during 2010:
A major focus was placed on fiscal accountability. We were tasked to reduce our State supported Community Corrections budget by $720,000. This was accomplished through holding vacant positions open to recoup salary savings and reducing services offered to offenders at the Parole and Probation Division. We also made changes to our operating schedules at the jail which reduced the need for overtime.
As part of our county's reentry initiative, we continued with the SOAR (Student Opportunity for Achieving Results) program to provide intensive supervision and support to drug addicted people returning to society after incarceration. Successful SOAR graduates have shown dramatically lower recidivism rates (5%) when compared to other parole or probation offenders in this population pool (approximately 26%).
A Community Advisory Committee was formed in 2010. Fifteen residents of Marion County provide input and develop strategies to address livability issues in our county. This collaborative approach partners our Office with the people we serve; addressing problems together. Feedback from the Committee members and the community has been very positive.
Sheriff Myers commented, "I am also very proud of the internal MCSO Academy that was started in 2010. It's aimed at giving our employees an opportunity to learn more about the vision and direction of our Office. Attendees are developing leadership principles, networking skills, and building positive relationships to better serve our customers, the citizens of Marion County. This Academy is designed to build a strong future for this Office."
Finally, Sheriff Myers expressed his appreciation to the men and women who work for the Sheriff's Office. "Office members eagerly meet the challenges presented to them everyday. They consistently demonstrate our Office's foundational character traits in the face of fiscal uncertainty and always strive to do the right thing. I couldn't be prouder of them."
A copy of the annual report is attached and is also available at the Marion County Sheriff's website: http://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/
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Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 97

Oregon State Police: Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 97 about three miles north of Oregon / California border blocked both direction following head-on crash - No more info at this time - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com.
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Monday, June 27, 2011

* UPDATE * Arrest Made in Malnourished Horse Investigation near Silver Creek Falls

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
* UPDATE * ARREST MADE IN MALNOURISHED HORSE INVESTIGATION NEAR SILVER CREEK FALLS
Posted: June 27th, 2011 3:58 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45538/Robi_2.JPG (Chesnut Mare)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45538/Robi_1.JPG (Robi - side view)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45538/Robi_3.JPG (Robi's hind quarters)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45538/Audra_Bentley.JPG (Booking Photo of Bentley)
06/27/11: Update - Suspect Arrested
Working on information received from a tipster, Marion County Deputy Mike Brewster learned the location of Audra Bentley.

Oregon State Police - MON 5:52pm

Oregon State Police: Overturned commercial truck and two trailers partially blocking Highway 20 near milepost 17 about six miles west of Eddyville - No more information available for release at this time - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com .
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* UPDATE * - One Dead, Two Injured in River Road Crash

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
* UPDATE * - ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN RIVER ROAD CRASH
Posted: June 27th, 2011 3:33 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Crash_Scene.jpg (Crash Scene)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki_2.jpg (Damaged Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki.jpg (Crashed Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Honda_minivan.jpg (Honda Van)
3:30pm:
Deputy Casey Burnham and members of the Marion County Sheriff's Office CRASH team are continuing the investigation into this morning's fatal crash south of Salem.

* UPDATE * - One Dead, Two Injured in River Road Crash

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
* UPDATE * - ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN RIVER ROAD CRASH
Posted: June 27th, 2011 6:28 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Crash_Scene.jpg (Crash Scene)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki_2.jpg (Damaged Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki.jpg (Crashed Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Honda_minivan.jpg (Honda Van)
6:30pm:
River Road South has been reopened for regular traffic. The CRASH team will take several weeks to complete its investigation of this crash. No further information will be released as to the cause until that investigation is complete.


Family Disturbance & Threats with Shotgun Land Silverton Man in Jail

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
FAMILY DISTURBANCE & THREATS WITH SHOTGUN LAND SILVERTON MAN IN JAIL
Posted: June 27th, 2011 1:46 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45707/Daniel_K._Mora.JPG (Daniel Kuenzi Mora)
An 18-year old Silverton resident was arrested this morning and booked at the Marion County Jail following a dispute at his family's home.

One Dead, Two Injured in River Road Crash

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN RIVER ROAD CRASH
Posted: June 27th, 2011 1:37 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Crash_Scene.jpg (Crash Scene)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki_2.jpg (Damaged Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Suzuki.jpg (Crashed Suzuki)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45706/Honda_minivan.jpg (Honda Van)

The Marion County Sheriff's Office CRASH team is currently on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on River Road South in Salem at 10:02am, today.

Callers reported the two-vehicle, head-on crash occurred .3 of a mile south of Saw Mill Road.

Marion County Deputies, along with units Salem Police and Fire Departments arrived within minutes of the crash. One vehicle was found lying on its side in the road; the other in the bushes west of the roadway. A non-involved driver reported to deputies that he came on the scene shortly after the crash and extinguished a small engine fire in one of the vehicles.

Fire personnel spent 90 minutes extricating one driver from the crashed vehicle, while Medics assisted. A passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers were transported to the Salem Hospital for treatment. Their conditions are not known at this time. There were no others involved in the crash.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

River Road South is presently closed between Saw Mill Road South and Vitae Springs Road South. It is expected to be reopened around 4:00pm, today.

The Medical Examiner and a Deputy District Attorney also responded to the scene.

The identities of those involved are being withheld until family members are notified by our Chaplain.

Photos from the scene are attached.

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