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.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
• 11:22 a.m. — Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash at Highway 99W and Alpine Road. The vehicle, driven by a 35-year-old Eugene man, left the roadway. There were no injuries. Arrangements were made for the vehicle to be towed.
FRIDAY, MAY 17
• 11:47 p.m. — Deputies arrested a 29-year-old Siletz woman during a traffic stop on Highway 20 near Blodgett. The car, a 2002 Lexus, had been pulled over for driving without required lighting. The man driving had a no-contact release agreement which protected a female. Deputies determined that the female passenger was not the person under protection. However, there was a warrant out of Lincoln County Circuit Court for the woman in the vehicle.
THURSDAY, MAY 23
• 2:40 p.m. — Deputies transported a stray chihuahua from the Oak Lane-Powder House Road vicinity to Heartland Humane Society. The dog, a senior neutered male black-and-tan dog, was wearing a collar and had a microchip.
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Other BCSO News
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
• The Benton County Sheriff’s Office performed 133 traffic stops over Memorial Day weekend (May 24-27) with five arrests for driving under the influence of intoxicants and the issuance of 53 traffic citations, the law enforcement agency reported.
In addition, 34 speeding citations were issued to drivers reaching speeds as high as 93, 94, 96 and 114 near Blodgett on Highway 20.
“I want to take this opportunity again to thank the Benton County community for their continued assistance and ongoing partnership as it relates to this topic,” BCSO Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said through a press release. “You are the eyes and ears in the community and a vital asset to the continued education and enforcement of these laws. I also want to thank the Benton County deputy sheriffs who make community safety a priority every day.”
BCSO said that the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is marked by an increase in drunk driving “and too many lives are lost on roadways every year because of it. Drunk driving is a choice that no one should make, and the crashes, injuries and fatalities that are the result of these actions are 100% preventable.”
The sheriff’s office encourages drivers to continue reporting erratic behavior such as passing in no-passing zones, following too closely, excessive speeds, or if a vehicle is failing to maintain its lane, by having a passenger call 911 immediately.
“If you are traveling alone, first find a safe place to pull over before calling,” BCSO says. “Report the location, direction of travel, license plate and description of the vehicle. Calling 911 is time sensitive; please do not wait to report unsafe driving. Your prompt action can help prevent a crash and keep our roads safe.”