Benton County Sheriff's Office

Benton County Weekly DUII Report

A Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) charge includes driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

▪️ On June 28, deputies arrested Carlos Alexander Mejia, 24, of Corvallis, for DUII.
▪️ On June 29, deputies arrested Brenda Rae Wyatt, 48, of Alsea, for DUII, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended, and a warrant for a traffic offense.
▪️ On July 1, deputies arrested Joseph Todd Bowerman, 45, of Lafayette, OR, for DUII and reckless driving.

Any arrest and complaint information included is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

To view more information on BCSO response incidents, visit our Daily Log on our website at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/daily-activity-log/.

Heat warning in effect through Sunday. If you’re headed to the river to paddle be sure to check out requirements here:
https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/propulsion-landing-pages/go-paddling.aspx

Keep this reference handy in case you need to call us! 📞🚔🎇

On a serious note, we need to keep lines open to dispatch for medical calls due heat-related emergencies this weekend. Do NOT call us for noise complaints, fireworks are loud we know. DO call us for suspected intoxicated drivers on the road and on the Willamette River. 🌊 🚨

For emergencies dial 9-1-1, for all non-emergency matters call 541-766-6858. Be advised there may be a delay in response for non-emergency calls due to higher priority incidents.

As an additional note, there is a permitted private aerial fireworks event in North Albany tonight beginning at 9:30 pm, as well as fireworks after the Corvallis Knights baseball game.

Benton County, Oregon
Albany Oregon Police Department

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫: Heightened Awareness & Enforcement is taking place July 4 - 6 🌊🛶

This annual campaign continues to make a significant impact on boater safety and spreading the message of the danger of boating under the influence of intoxicants.

It is illegal in every state and territory to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws pertain to all vessels, from canoes and rowboats to the largest ships. 🚣‍♂️

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths according to U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2021.

In 2023, 488 local, state, and federal agencies participated in Operation Dry Water. Over the three-day heightened awareness and enforcement weekend law enforcement officers contacted 302,146 boaters, made 717 BUI arrests, and issued 42,822 citations and warnings for safety violations. 🚫

HIRING!

Do you have a knack for administration and love the outdoors?

Apply now for our Special Services Program Specialist.

The Special Services Program Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration and implementation of Special Services programs including Search & Rescue. This position coordinates system-wide Search & Rescue training, volunteers, documentation of training, incidents and activities, and provides incident command staff support. This position assists with providing community education and engagement and coordinating search management operations with a minimal degree of supervision. This position also includes the creation of engaging social media content for the Sheriff’s Office.

The deadline to apply is July 9th, 2024!

For more information and to apply please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bentonor/jobs/4554987/special-services-program-specialist-as23

Fireworks commonly called Bottle Rockets, Roman candles, and Firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. BCSO will seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a Class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. 🚫

Legal fireworks include but are not limited to, novelty devices, wheels, flitter sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and ground spinners.🎆🎇

Attention!

We would like to inform you all about a safety concern recently issued by the FBI. They have warned residents about the potential dangers of using public USB charging stations for your electronic devices, specifically when it comes to juice hacking.

Juice hacking is when someone manipulates a public USB port or charging cable to install malware or steal data from your device. Hackers can easily tamper with these charging stations, which can result in the theft of personal and sensitive information. The FBI has reported an increase in these types of attacks across the country.

To protect yourself and your personal information, we recommend that you avoid using public USB charging stations whenever possible. Instead, use your own personal charger or a portable battery pack, and to avoid using public charging stations whenever possible. If using a public charging station is necessary, it is important to use your own charging cable, rather than using the USB port directly, and always keep a watchful eye on your device while it is charging.

By taking these simple precautions, we can help prevent juice hacking and protect ourselves from potential harm. Please share our post with your friends and family to inform them of the potential dangers of public USB charging stations. Let's work together to keep our community safe and secure.

Benton County Weekly DUII Report

A Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants charge includes driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

▪️ On Saturday, Dec. 2, deputies arrested Valeria Marie Pearson (48), of Albany, for DUII and Reckless Driving.
▪️ On Monday, Dec. 4, Kasey Louise Burns (32) of Albany, was arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving, and Criminal Mischief I, resulting in an injury crash.

Any arrest and complaint information included is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

To view more information on BCSO response incidents, visit our Daily Log on our website at https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/daily-activity-log.

Water continues to rise on 53rd Street in Corvallis. We continue to urge drivers not to attempt to cross the flooded roadway. Doing so may cost you your life; if you survive, it will cost you a fine of $249.00 for ORS 811.265 - Fail to Obey a Traffic Control Device (the road closed sign you drive around) and/or $440.00 for Careless Driving - ORS 811.135.

We'd like to thank City of Corvallis Police Department for their assistance with the rescue of a 74-year-old female this afternoon.

53rd St, Corvallis CLOSED at this time. At 8:45 am, Deputies responded to a vehicle stalled out after making the choice to cross the flooded road. For up-to-date road closures go to https://www.co.benton.or.us/publicworks/page/emergency-road-notifications

OSU Research Forests begins their "Blackbird Harvest" tomorrow, which will last approximately 2.5 months.

There will be no access to the 700 road during the closure. People who enter these closures travel directly through or around high visibility barriers and signs on barricades placed in the roadway. Harvest operations are extremely dangerous— visitors must respect posted closures for their safety and the safety of the harvest crews.

All Forest closures are actively enforced by Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Are you planning to hire a contractor for home improvement work? Be aware of the signs of contractor fraud so you can protect yourself from being scammed. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

- The contractor asks for a large upfront payment.
- The contractor pressures you to sign a contract without reading it
- The contractor does not have a license or insurance.
- The contractor does not provide references.
- The contractor's work is shoddy or incomplete.

If you see any of these red flags, be wary of the contractor and do not hire them. You can also report suspected contractor fraud to your local authorities.
Here are some tips to help you avoid contractor fraud:

- Get multiple estimates from different contractors.
- Check the contractor's license and insurance.
- Get everything in writing, including the scope of work, the price, and the payment terms.
- Do not pay the entire amount upfront.
- Inspect the work as it is being done.
- Do not sign anything you do not understand.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from contractor fraud.
If you think you have been the victim of contractor fraud, you can report it to your local authorities. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or the National Association of Consumer Advocates.

Remember, you are not alone. Contractor fraud is a common problem, but it can be prevented. By being aware of the red flags and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help ensure that you have a positive experience with your home improvement project.

Update to sandbag locations around the county. For up-to-date road closures, go to https://www.co.benton.or.us/publicworks/page/emergency-road-notifications

The US National Weather Service Portland Oregon has issued a Flood Watch for various regions in Oregon, including Benton County.

View the following list of available sandbag stations in Benton County: https://ow.ly/13JC50Qfese

Benton County Sheriff's Office
Benton County Health Department
City of Corvallis
City of Albany, Oregon

53rd St. closed at railroad trestle in Corvallis due to flooding. Find an alternate route. Do not attempt to cross.



Benton County, Oregon

Benton County Sheriff's Office's Marine Deputies Stevenson and Hansen were honored with an award on November 29th for their heroic water rescue on the Willamette River.

The incident occurred on August 27, 2023, a few miles northeast of Corvallis when they rescued a male who had fallen off his stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and become entangled on a log. The area of the river had a bend in it, and the river current was strong. When deputies arrived, they saw the subject in the Willamette River, holding onto a tree/log acting as a strainer. The subject was facing downriver while struggling to keep his head above water. The male was bobbing up and down below the water surface. It appeared he was very close to losing grip and being drug under the log. The male had a stand-up paddleboard attached to his right ankle with an ankle strap, and the SUP was submerged under the tree. The male was not wearing a life jacket and the SUP lacked a quick detach style leash. All factors contributed to a dangerous situation. Similar instances have resulted in drownings on rivers nationwide, and in Oregon some occurred in the Willamette River.

The deputies were able to drive the patrol jet boat against the tree, next to the male. The deputies could see under the water and saw the subject’s leg was being pulled further under water by the SUP, causing him to dip underwater. At this time, the subject was in distress and physically exhausted, causing him to dip under the water multiple times. Deputies attempted to cut the cord attaching the SUP to the subject’s leg but were initially unsuccessful due to the river conditions. The deputies worked with the subject, and the subject used the deputy’s safety knife provided by a deputy to free himself from the SUP. Once he was released, the deputies provided him with a throwable flotation device. The quick and decisive actions of Hansen and Stevenson saved the life of this man.

Oregon State Marine Board

Get involved now! Community Emergency Response Team training beginning Dec. 8.

In 2003, Benton County brought CERT to our community. The Benton County CERT program has led the way for individual preparedness education throughout our county for 20 years. The program provides safe, positive and inclusive opportunities and training for people of all abilities.

Please contact our Program Manager at [email protected] for more information. The program is free and supported by Emergency Management.

If you are feeling ambitious, we are taking applications for our upcoming training. We will have a waitlist available when full. The training will be held Dec. 8 - 10, 2023.

Benton County CERT
Benton County Sheriff's Office
Benton County, Oregon
Oregon Department of Emergency Management
Philomath News

REMINDER: Fentanyl Presentation Tonight at Ashbrook Independent School

This is a free community-wide event to continue to bring awareness to the dangers of illicit fentanyl. Presenters will discuss local data and trends, tips for those with children and teens, and how to deliver Nalaxone (Narcan) to someone overdosing. Free Naloxone kits will be available.

https://www.facebook.com/events/147044271831504

Benton County Weekly DUII Report

A Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants charge includes driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

▪️ On Sunday, Nov. 26, deputies arrested Uriel Gonzalez Cas (22) of Albany, for DUII and Reckless Endangering.
▪️ On Sunday, Nov. 26, deputies arrested Osvaldo Preciado Ramos (48) of Eugene, for DUII and Reckless Driving.
▪️ On Thursday, Nov. 23, deputies arrested Jeremy William Lincourt (37) of Eugene, for DUII and Reckless Driving.

Any arrest and complaint information included is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

To view more information on BCSO response incidents, visit our Daily Log on our website at https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/daily-activity-log.

iPhone safety information from Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Information about the apple iOS 17 update with the NameDrop feature

Concern: the sharing of your contact information by being next to another iPhone.

Reality: It appears that iPhones need to be unlocked and either touching, or close to it in order to share information - similar to AirDrop. The update defaults to allow this setting.

Solution: turn off the NameDrop setting to be certain no one can abuse it.

Go to: Settings > General > AirDrop > Bringing Devices Together and toggle that switch to “off”.

Remember to change the settings on your children’s phones as well.

Giving Tuesday is November 28! The Benton County Sheriff's Office is hosting an event this Holiday season. If you plan to participate in Giving Tuesday here is an opportunity:

🎁 Shop with a Cop: This event brings together law enforcement and social workers to create an opportunity for children to have a positive interaction with law enforcement. Elementary-aged children are invited through local agencies including Benton County Parole and Probation and Self Sufficiency, and Child Welfare offices of the Department of Human Services.

This program is supported entirely by donations from law enforcement and community members.

Financial donations are currently being collected. If you are interested in donating, checks can be made payable to “The Sheriff’s Foundation” re: Shop with a Cop and dropped off or mailed to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 180 NW 5th St. Corvallis, OR 97330.

We are thankful to be part of a community that looks out for one another!

Less than a week left to purchase your raffle tickets.

Check out the Hunting Gear Package!
Less than a week left to buy tickets for the OSSA Annual Raffle. 10 Exciting Packages to Win - Buy Today! Please share.
Tickets: http://www.site.oregonsheriffs.org/raffle

As the festive season approaches, the joy of gift-giving is in the air! While the convenience of online shopping during Cyber Monday brings incredible deals to your fingertips, let's ensure our community stays safe and secure throughout the holiday season. Here are some crucial tips to safeguard your online shopping experience:

💻 Trusted Websites Only: Stick to well-known online retailers with secure payment options. Look for "https://" in the website address to ensure a safe connection.

🔐 Strong, Unique Passwords: Create robust and unique passwords for each account, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security.

🚨 Beware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against suspicious emails, messages, or pop-up ads. Verify the sender's legitimacy before clicking on any links or sharing personal information.

📊 Regular Account Monitoring: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to quickly identify any unauthorized transactions. Report suspicious activity promptly.

🔒 Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This ensures enhanced security, even if your password is compromised.

By following these tips, we can create a safer online shopping environment for our community this Cyber Monday. Let's celebrate the holidays with joy, peace of mind, and the knowledge that we're taking proactive steps to keep our digital experiences secure.

Happy Holidays and Safe Shopping!🎁🌟

Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. According to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, 37% of middle and high school aged children report being victims of cyberbullying and 15% admit to cyberbullying others.

The ICAC Task Force has these tips for parents to talk to your child about online engagement:
1. Show interest in learning about their favorite apps and games. Know the functions, rules, and age restrictions.
2. Ask questions about their friends and followers. Emphasize the difference between true friends and online users.
3. Ask what they do when an unknown user tries to befriend or message them. Learn how to block and report users together.
4. Ask questions about their posts. Ask how they decide which information and photos are appropriate and safe to post. Encourage positive digital citizenship.
5. Remind them that the internet is a permanent and public platform, where their choices may impact their future. Encourage a positive digital footprint and discuss how to achieve it safely and effectively.
6. Talk about potential risks, predatory red flags, and the importance of privacy. Encourage the use of privacy settings and keeping all online accounts private.
7. Discuss screen-time limits and family technology rules with your children. Allow them to be a part of the process of determining rules and restrictions to encourage participation, self-discipline, and leadership skills.

Mushroom Hunter Found and Airlifted to Safety

In a heartwarming turn of events on Thanksgiving Day, Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) search and rescue teams successfully located a missing male looking for mushrooms off Botkin Road, west of Philomath.

The individual, a 77-year-old male from Corvallis, had been reported missing by a family member at approximately 9:30 pm on Wednesday, November 22.

The search operation, which involved the Benton County Sheriff's Office Marys Peak Search and Rescue - MPSAR, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit - CMRU , and Region 3 K9 Search & Rescue were called out to search for the hiker Wednesday night.

Search efforts continued on Thanksgiving Day with additional assistance from Linn County Sheriff's Office, Lane County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Searchers located the missing man on Thursday, November 23 at approximately 3:30 pm, down a steep drainage near a creek. The male was in a weakened state after a recent back surgery and unable to hear the rescuers due to the absence of his hearing aids. Since temperatures dropped, the man said he tried to stay moving throughout the night to stay warm. Unfortunately, he did not have a whistle or other essential gear with him and was wearing wool socks with crocs.

The male was rescued approximately a mile and a half from his vehicle and immediately airlifted to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis for further medical assessment and care.

“Thank you to all who helped on this mission,” stated Sheriff Van Arsdall. “Many volunteers sacrificed time away from family and friends on Thanksgiving Day to ensure this search had a positive outcome. We know you don't do it for recognition but want the community to know what amazing resources our Office has, to keep the community safe.”

In light of this incident, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize the importance of being prepared. To assist hikers in ensuring their safety, they would like to highlight ten essential items recommended by the American Hiking Society. To learn more about these essential items, please visit https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/.

Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

U.S. Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay

🎅Tis the season for festive cheer, but unfortunately, also for package thieves who take advantage of the increased number of deliveries after your Black Friday shopping. 🎁

Here are 4 tips to keep your holiday deliveries safe from porch pirates: 📦🎄

🏡Request a signature confirmation: This ensures that someone must be present to sign for the package, making it less likely to be stolen.
📦Schedule deliveries for when you're home: If you can, try to schedule deliveries for times when you'll be home to receive them in person.
🚪Install a security camera: A visible security camera can deter potential thieves from targeting your home.
🙋♀️Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out: If you're going to be out of town, ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for your deliveries and bring them inside.

Together, we can make this holiday season merry and thief-free! 🎄🎁❄️☃️🎅

Happy Thanksgiving from the Benton County Sheriff's Office. Our office is closed today.

The Benton County Jail will still be staffed and deputies and dispatch are on duty to serve! If you have an emergency you can call or text 9-1-1. For all non-emergency matters please call 541-766-6858.

Benton County Weekly DUII Report

A Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants charge includes driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

▪️ On Saturday, Nov. 18, deputies arrested Sarah Rose Stiles (48) of California, for DUII Drugs.
▪️ On Sunday, Nov. 19, deputies arrested Michael Carl Taphouse (60) of The Dalles, for DUII.
▪️ On Tuesday, Nov. 21, deputies arrested Anthony L Cantwell (62) of Portland, for DUII Drugs and Driving While Suspended-Misdemeanor.
▪️ On Wednesday, Nov. 22, deputies arrested Hillary Ellen Sesnon (34) of Monroe, for DUII and Reckless Driving after a crash on Hwy 99W.

Any arrest and complaint information included is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

To view more information on BCSO response incidents, visit our Daily Log on our website at https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/daily-activity-log.