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. 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.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
• 1:20 a.m. — Deputies arrested a 28-year-old Corvallis woman on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants (drugs) during a traffic stop at the intersection of Main Street and 21st Street.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
• 12:15 p.m. — Deputies responded to the 25000 block of Falcon Place for a report of a burglary that had occurred sometime between April 15-20. According to an investigation, a family member looking after the property reported that someone had stolen a 2007 Harley Davidson from the garage and a 70cc Honda motorcycle and a pair of children’s water skis from an outside shop.
MONDAY, APRIL 22
• 4:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a 2023 Kia Forte that went off the roadway near Highway 20 and Woods Creek Road. The driver, a 26-year-old Portland man, explained that he was tired and drove off the road. The man was evaluated by Philomath Fire and Rescue medics and declined medical transportation. The vehicle was recovered by a towing company.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
• 11:26 p.m. — Deputies responded to a crash involving a vehicle that hit a parked car at Applegate Street and 10th Street. Deputies arrested a 31-year-old Philomath man on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants (alcohol blood content of .18), reckless driving, reckless endangerment and furnishing alcohol to a minor. The driver, who reportedly did not suffer any injuries, was lodged at Benton County Jail. A 14-year-old passenger was cited into the Benton County Juvenile Department for minor in possession of alcohol.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
• 3:45 p.m. — Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a 2012 Nissan Rogue that went into a ditch on Highway 20 at the intersection with Priest Road. The driver, a 19-year-old Hillsboro woman, said she was headed east on Highway 20 and intended on turning east onto Priest Road but reported some sort of mechanical failure involving the steering wheel. The vehicle crashed into blackberry vines. No injuries were reported and a tow truck company removed the vehicle.
• 5:10 p.m. – Deputies spotted a license plate on the side of Highway 20 and discovered that it had been reported as stolen on Nov. 29 to the Philomath Police Department. The victim was contacted and he requested that it be destroyed since he had obtained new plates.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
• 3:05 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an abandoned trailer in the area of Fern Road and Powder House Road. The small utility trailer, which was filled with trash, was posted with a tow-away notice.
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ARREST MADE IN FATAL HIGHWAY 20 HIT-AND-RUN
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported last week that an arrest had been made in the hit-and-run pedestrian crash that killed Deborah Rosemary Haikkila, 29, of Albany, on Highway 20 near Hyak Park.
Brenda Lopez Lopez, 24, of Albany, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminal negligent homicide, aggravated driving while suspended, third-degree assault and failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons. Lopez Lopez was lodged at Benton County Jail.
Investigators had been looking for a black Toyota Corolla Cross with damage to the front passenger side that was believed to have been involved in the crash. The victim’s body was found April 24 by a farmer.
BCSO continues to seek information from witnesses of the incident. Those with information can call 541-753-8477 or email BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
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LARGE ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
The Oregon Association of Mounted Posses, with sponsorship from Benton County and Polk County sheriff’s offices, is holding all-hazards disaster preparedness training for equine and other livestock from May 17-19.
The course will provide community members with tools to protect, respond to, and recover from the consequences of disasters (for example, fire, flood, heat, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, hazardous materials and catastrophic disease exposure) involving animals in rural communities.
The course will introduce participants to the unique issues that must be considered and addressed when animals are involved in an emergency such as safe animal handling, animal evacuation, animal sheltering, humane euthanasia and carcass disposal.
The training will take place at the Polk County Fairgrounds (520 S. Pacific Highway W, Rickreall). Hours will be 5-8 p.m. May 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 18 and 8-11 a.m. May 19.
The last day to sign up will be May 15. Register online on this webpage.
For questions, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse at 541-766-0137 or bentoncountysheriffsposse@gmail.com.