Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. All calls for service may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate and may not be included if it could identify victims of certain crimes of a sensitive nature (sexual abuse, stalking, etc.). Individuals are identified in the log only if arrested on felony charges. Juveniles are not identified. People arrested or suspected of crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.
MONDAY, NOV. 3
• 12:44 p.m. — BCSO responded to a report of a hunter trespassing on private property in an area near Shingle Creek Road and Hoskins Road. The hunter had a permit from Starker Forests but game cameras showed him on private property. The landowner was contacted to see if he wanted to pursue trespassing charges but the deputy reported that as of Dec. 8, he had not received a returned call.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
• 2:28 p.m. — BCSO issued an alert that a man who had been found deceased in the Willamette River on Nov. 29 was identified as Jonathan Avery Smith, 34, of Albany. Investigators were able to identify the man after receiving tips in response to tattoo images that had been released on Dec. 9. Next of kin were notified promptly so the family did not learn of his death through the news. Smith had not been reported as missing. Deputies recovered the body around 4:15 p.m. Nov. 29 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. He had been in the river for several days prior to recovery. Anyone who has information that may help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 541-753-8477 (TIPS).