Marion Co. Sheriff's Office

Marion County Deputies arrested the third suspect in the animal neglect investigation centered on the Willamette Valley Animal Rescue in Brooks, Oregon.

At approximately 2:55pm, Merissa Marie Noonan, 21, of Woodburn surrendered to Deputy Dale Huitt at the Marion County Jail, 4000 Aumsville Highway, in Salem.

Noonan claimed to have seen media coverage focusing on her as a wanted suspect. She contacted an attorney and made arrangements to meet our deputy at the Jail Saturday afternoon.

Noonan was booked on 149 counts of Animal Neglect 2 (misdemeanor). Her bail is set at $372,500. She is due in court on Tuesday, January 22nd at 3:00pm.

Noonan was one of three board members at the Willamette Valley Animal Rescue, 8955 Pueblo Avenue NE in Brooks. She, along with Alicia Marie Inglish and Amanda Noelle Oakley, will face criminal charges for the neglect of the dogs seized last Sunday.

Deputy Huitt's investigation in on going; with several witnesses yet to be interviewed. It is possible that additional arrests will be made. The animals remain in the custody of the Oregon Humane Society, Willamette Human Society and the Marion County Dog Control.

Our Office would like to thank the many callers who have provided tips and background information in this investigation.

Further updates may be issued.

An 18-year old Salem woman remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Salem Hospital after being struck by a car Saturday evening.

Sthefany Viorato-Navuaez and two friends were crossing Silverton Road near 47th Avenue when she was struck by a car traveling eastbound on Silverton Road. The car did not hit her friends.

The driver of the car, Robert Mallorie, 39, of Silverton, immediately stopped to render aid to Viorato-Navuaez.

Traffic Safety Deputy Ryan Clarke received the call at 10:00pm. He learned that rather than waiting for paramedics, Mallorie drove the victim and her friends to the hospital because they were concerned about the severity of her injuries.

Emergency room physicians were treating Viorato-Navuaez when Clarke arrived at the hospital. Mallorie was standing by in the waiting room.

The male and female friends of the victim initially left without providing anyone with information on who the victim was, or who they were. The female, Elizabeth Navarro, 38, later returned to the Hospital with the victim's mother. Navarro said that they left because the male friend had to get to work.

Mallorie told Deputy Clarke that he was driving his 1992 Honda east on Silverton Rd. near 47th at about 35 MPH due to the thick fog that prevailed in the area. He said he hit Viorato-Navuaez as she started to cross in the cross walk. Mallorie said he didn't see her until he struck her.

Mallorie was fully cooperative with investigators. Deputy Clarke determined that he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, however he was cited for driving with a suspended operator's license. Mallorie's 8-year old daughter was in the car at the time of the crash. Neither Mallorie nor his daughter was injured.

Clarke further determined that the victim and her two friends were wearing dark clothing. The area where the crash occurred is protected by a crosswalk with lights that activate upon demand of a pedestrian. However, the victim and her friends failed to push the crosswalk button before attempting to cross the road.

Deputy Clarke's investigation remains open at this time. We do not know the extent of Viorato-Navuaez's injuries.

No photos currently available; they may be posted at a later time.

Note: Sthefany Viorato-Navuaez is the correct spelling (per the victim's mother)

5:20pm:

Booking photo of suspect, Kevin Parrish added to this release.

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Late this afternoon, Marion County Deputies rescued a 9-pound Chihuahua-Pincher dog that had been subjected to cruelty and abuse at the hands of his temporary caretaker.

The father of the abuser first called Deputies Derek Ramseyer and Tom Barber on Friday afternoon. They learned that on Friday , Dr. Keri Sanders, Veterinarian at the Arc Animal Care in Mill City had treated "Kudo", a 6-year old dog. "Kudo" was given care for multiple injuries and burns following an incident at the dog's home in Lyons.

Their investigation revealed that "Kudo" had been left in the care of Kevin Dean Parrish, 20, of Lyons. The dog belongs to Parrish's grandmother who was out of state. Parrish and his brother live at the house with their grandmother on North Fork Road.

Parrish admitted to deputies that he had "anger issues" and that he'd lost his temper while dealing with the dog. He said on Friday, he was preparing lunch at his grandmother's house. He had pre-heated the oven to cook some enchiladas, but momentarily stopped fixing lunch to check on the dog. As he reached into the dog's kennel, it tried to "nip" him. Parrish said he lost control, grabbed the dog and started punching it in the head with his fist. He also admitted trying to strangle the dog.

Parrish said he then remembered that he'd pre-heated the oven to 350 degrees to cook his lunch. Because he was still mad at the dog, he decided to put the dog in the oven. Parrish said he was prepared to leave him there, but he suddenly heard his brother coming into the house.

As Parrish removed the dog from the oven his brother confronted him. The brother and father then took the dog to the Veterinarian for treatment.

Deputies learned that the dog suffered from cuts and bruises to his head, his body hair was singed, and 3 of his legs badly burned from contact with the oven rack. The dog had difficulty standing because of its injuries.

Today, the 5-11, 192-pound man was arrested and booked at the Marion County Jail on one count of Aggravated Abuse 1 (a class C felony). His bail is set at $10,000 and he will appear in court on Tuesday at 3:00pm. Parrish has no prior criminal record.

"Kudo" will remain in the care of Parrish's father and will continue treatment at the Vet clinic. The father of Parrish provided a photo of "Kudo". It is attached to this release. It was taken prior to the abuse incident.

11:05am:

Searchers have located the missing trio. They are in good health and are being reunited wiht family members. No further details avilable at this time.

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Marion County Sheriff's deputies are organizing a search for three teens who failed to return home after a day-trip to the snow on Tuesday.

Daniel Yoder, 19 of Salem, is driving a white 1994 Subaru Legacy station wagon, ORE license WDX 075. Sometime around 12:30pm, Tuesday, Yoder picked up two friends; Tyler Cain, 21 and Faith Moen, 19, of Silverton. The three had talked about going to play in the snow, but they didn't tell anyone of their specific destination.

When the three failed to return home by Wednesday evening, their parents called authorities.

Early this morning, deputies began searching the foothills of the Cascades, checking obvious snow locations like Silver Falls Park and Crooked Finger Road. They were able to track a cell phone carried by the trio to a cell tower near Crooked Finger Road.

At this time, we have not established a command post, and have no further information to release. Resources are being called in to assist with the search, but the exact number of deputies involved s not known at this time.

If anyone has information about the possible whereabouts of the trio, they are asked to call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 503.588.5032.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

An internet photo of a similar 1994 Subaru is attached to this release.

Marion County Sheriff's Detectives worked through the night unraveling leads following a drive-by shooting that occurred in Salem early Saturday morning.

The first 911 calls were received at about 12:30am. Callers reported that someone had driven by a party in the 1000 block of Arabian Avenue SE and fired several shots into the crowd of party-goers.

Patrol deputies were responding to the address when they spotted a 1990 Honda Civic that had several bullet holes in it. The Honda was stopped on a nearby street with the lights on and engine running. 26-year old David Chavez Jr. was inside the car, suffering from gunshot wounds. Medics were immediately called. Chavez was transported to the Salem Hospital where he is being treated for life threatening injuries.

While deputies were following up at the hospital, a second victim from the scene arrived at the emergency room. 26-year old Robert A. Apodaca transported himself to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a party was being held at the address on Arabian Avenue SE. Many of those in attendance were gathered outside and some were sitting in their cars when a car drove by. The occupants of the car fired numerous shots at the house, striking the Honda and both Chavez and Apodaca. Stray bullets also hit two nearby residences.

Indications are that at least one of the party attendees fired a weapon back at the suspects and may have struck the car and/or its occupants.

The suspect vehicle is described as a four-door white or light colored Malibu type car. It may have bullet holes in it. Witnesses were unable to provide descriptions of the suspects in the car.

No information is currently available on the total number of shots fired, or the weapons used. As both victims are still being treated, we have no information on their conditions or the wounds they suffered. Due to the late hour, no photos from the scene are available. The 911 tapes are being reviewed and will not be released at this time.

Detectives are interviewing witnesses and also serving search warrants on the Honda and the houses involved to obtain evidence. The case remains open as an active investigation, so no further details from the scene are available.

Should the public see a four door white or light colored Chevy Malibu type car with bullet hole(s) in it or know anything about this shooting, they are asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office 24 hour number at (503) 588-5032. You may remain anonymous.

You may also email the detectives at Dwhite@co.marion.or.us or Tburwell@co.marion.or.us.

5:15pm:

The victim in today's home invasion shooting is identified as 50-year old, Christopher Riesch.

Mr. Riesch remains at the Salem Hospital being treated for his gunshot injury. Consistent with HIPAA regulations, no further information on his medical condition will be released without his prior authorization.

Detectives worked this investigation throughout the day interviewing potential witnesses and collecting evidence.

No new information is available for release at this time. Updates will be issued when appropriate.

We continue to ask for the public's assistance in solving this case. Anyone with information about the suspects or suspect vehicle is asked to contact our Office. Callers may remain anonymous.

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Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a 911 call of a home invasion robbery attempt that turned into a shooting early this morning.

The 911 caller reported that two men were arguing with the victim in the rear yard of a home in the 4000 block of Jade Street NE, in Salem.

Deputies arrived within minutes of the 8:07am call and found the victim, an adult male, suffering from a serious gunshot wound. The victim, whose name is not being released at this time, was transported to Salem Hospital by Medics. We have no current information on his condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim stays in a small guest cottage that is a separate building located at the rear of the property. The shooting occurred near this cottage.

Two armed male suspects accosted the victim at the cottage and demanded money. A scuffle ensued and the victim was shot by the suspect during this confrontation.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic or white male, 20-30', 6-0, thin build, with a beard. He was wearing a black full-face mask stocking cap and a black jacket with a red Michael Jordan logo on it.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic or white male, 5-10, stocky build, with a beard. He also wore a black stocking cap mask.

After the shooting, the suspects drove away in a smaller model bright red pick up truck with a black canopy. The getaway car had been parked in a neighboring apartment complex and was last seen westbound on Jade Street NE, toward Lancaster Drive NE.

Detectives were able to speak the victim briefly before he was transported, but at this time, it is unknown if anything was taken during the incident.

The investigation is on-going at this time. Witness statements are being taken, and a search warrant is being obtaining to assist in the investigation. Detectives from the MCSO Criminal Investigation Unit are handling the case. The 911 tape of the call is not available at this time.

No information is available on the type of weapon used by the suspect, the number of shots fired or the wounds suffered by the victim. Once the victim's family has been notified, his identification will be released.

If you have information about this shooting, the suspects or the suspect vehicle, you are asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office 24 hour number at (503) 588-5032. You may remain anonymous.

Photos from the scene are attached to this release.

This weekend, football fans across the nation will gather together to cheer for the San Francisco Forty-Niners or the Baltimore Ravens as Superbowl 47 will again be the most-watched sporting event of the year.

Fans are planning parties and get-togethers that will put many drivers on the roads of Marion County as they get to their event.

The Marion County Traffic Safety Team would like to encourage all drivers to designate a non-drinking driver to safely get them home from the "game". Historically, the chances of encountering a impaired driver are probably at their highest during this weekend, so even if you haven't been drinking, please pay extra attention and watch out for those who have. If you come across an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.

Our Traffic Safety team plans to join the Oregon State Police and other law enforcement agencies to increase patrols throughout the weekend. We'll be focusing on impaired drivers, seatbelt violations, cell phone violations and aggressive drivers.

Traffic Safety Sergeant Craig Cunningham commented, "Motor vehicle crashes in Oregon took the lives of three people during last year's Superbowl weekend. We want to do everything we can to make this a safe driving weekend where everyone gets home to see their loved ones".

Sgt. Cunningham also wants to let drivers know that as part of the Oregon Safety Belt Enforcement program, the Traffic Safety Team will conduct a safety operation on Lancaster Drive in Salem on Friday, February 15th. The focus will be on booster seat/child safety seat compliance, distracted driving (texting, cellular use) and seatbelt violations. The operation will start in the morning and conclude around noon.

Please, put the cell phone away, buckle up, drive safely and enjoy the game!

PIO Don Thomson is going to be out of the Office until February 5th.

Lt. Tad Larson will handle the PIO duty on Friday and Saturday (February 1st and 2nd). He can be reached at 503.932.3133 or Tlarson@co.marion.or.us .

Lt. Gerry Adcock will handle the PIO duty on Sunday and Monday (February 3rd & 4th). He can be reached at 503.932.0147 or Gadcock@co.marion.or.us

PIO Thomson will return to the Office on Tuesday morning (February 5th).

Have a safe Super Bowl Weekend !

4:00pm:

As we were making our release, the owners of a 5-year old Siberian Husky named "Eysak" were posting a lost dog report on the Marion County Dog Shelter website. We understand that the owners are headed to the shelter to identify and reclaim the dog.

Apparently he escaped from their back yard after the gate was either left open or opened by someone.

We do not have the name of the owners at this time.

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Nineteen-year-old Alondra Figuroa planned to spend a quiet afternoon shopping for groceries with her family. She loaded her 81-year grandmother, step-dad and 4-year old brother into the family car and drove WINCO in Salem to do their shopping. They bought a large cooked pepperoni pizza to have for dinner, but on the way home, her brother decided he couldn't wait for dinner and started eating it in the car.

They arrived back at their house on Haysville Road in Salem at about 3:00pm. Alondra noticed a stray dog in her neighbor's year. She paid little attention to it as she started unloading her grandmother's wheel chair from the back of their 2000 Ford Explorer.

Her attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of a barking dog, and she soon discovered it was coming from the back seat of her car.

The stray dog she'd seen earlier had now taken over the interior of her car and was devouring the pepperoni pizza. The dog became aggressive when she tried to scare it away, so she called the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Senior Deputy Martin Bennett arrived within minutes to find the dog still inside the car, eating the pizza. His attempts to coach the dog from the car were met with the same aggressive behavior from the dog. Deputy Bennett called in the experts from the Marion County Dog Control Unit.

Dog Control Officer Karen Hilfiker was able to remove the dog and transport it to the County Dog Shelter where it will be held until they locate its owner.

The dog is estimated to be a 4-year old Siberian husky. He has an AKC microchip, but it doesn't identify the current owner. Ironically, the dog was wearing a collar with the words "Don't Mess with My Food" inscribed on it.

If you are the owner of the dog, please contact the Marion County Dog Services Shelter at 503.316.6690. They are located at 3550 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem. A photo of the pizza-eating pooch is attached to this release.

Emergency crews worked for two hours to extricate the driver of a truck involved in a single car crash on Cascade Highway NE this morning.

Marion County Sr. Deputies Skip Lumley and Dave Wagner received the call at 6:42am. They located the crash in the 2400 block of Cascade Highway NE near Egan Lane NE.

The driver, identified as Mark A McKellar, 51, of Salem was trapped inside his 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. He was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and the airbags of his truck had deployed.

Witnesses reported that McKellar was traveling northbound on Cascade Hwy NE at a speed of 55 mph. Near Sunnyside Road, he suddenly stopped in the roadway, causing vehicles behind him to slow rapidly. Then as quickly as he stopped, he started again and drove off at a high rate of speed. The Avalanche crested a rise in the roadway, but failed to negotiate the right hand turn as it came over the crest. McKellar's truck left the roadway, striking a high voltage power pole and coming to rest against a large tree. It appeared his truck was airborne when it struck the tree chafing the bark that was 8' above the ground. It came to rest near Beaver Creek, at the bottom of a ravine.

Medics and Firefighters from Silverton and Sublimity extricated McKellar from the truck. He was flown by a Life Flight helicopter to the Salem Hospital. His injuries were very serious, but we have no current report on his condition.

Sr. Deputy Wagner determined that excessive speed for the conditions was a contributing factor in this crash. It was still dark at the time of the crash with fog and mist dampening the roadway.

Public Works crews closed Cascade Hwy from Kaufman Rd NE to Sunnyview Rd NE. It will remain closed until the power lines are rendered safe and the truck is winched form the ravine where it came to rest. At this time, we have no estimate for when the roadway will open.

McKellar had no passengers in his truck and no other cars were involved. Witnesses stood by offering comfort until emergency crews arrived.

Photos from the crash scene are attached. The crash remains under investigation.

A St. Paul School District bus was struck by what is suspected to be a stray bullet or projectile Wednesday afternoon.

The bus was traveling westbound on St. Paul Highway at about 1:00pm when the driver heard the impact. The projectile struck the driver's side windshield, about 10" above the driver's head, but did not penetrate the glass. It left a spider-web like crack in the windshield.

There were two elementary age children on the bus at the time, but neither the children nor the bus driver was injured. The bus completed its route with no further issues.

Sr. Deputy David Wagner inspected the damage to the bus. He determined that the bus was struck in a very open, flat area, but the driver saw no one in the area. Given that it was a single shot, Wagner suspects the incident was non-intentional. It more likely came from someone shooting a firearm in the fields surrounding the area where the incident occurred. Wagner was unable to specifically identify the caliber of the projectile, but he suspects it was a 22 caliber or possibly a pellet from a pellet gun.

Anyone with information about this incident can call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 503.588.5032, or you can email Deputy Wagner at Dwagner@co.marion.or.us .

Photos of the bus should be available later today. They will be posted at that time.

A Silverton couple was arrested on February 9th following an animal neglect investigation conducted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation began on December 29th, when deputies were called to the couple's home in the 3300 block of Spring Villa Road SE, in a rural area south of Silverton. An anonymous caller reported two horses and two dogs that appeared to be in poor condition and malnourished.

Deputy Mark Ferron contacted the property owners. Carol Rae Epping, 43, told deputies that she had separated from her husband, Heath Christopher Epping, 40, in September of 2012. The animals in question belonged to both of them during their marriage, but Carol Epping felt they now belonged to her husband.

Deputy Ferron initially saw two dogs on the property that appeared to be in grave condition. They lacked shelter from the snow and freezing weather that existed at the time, and there was no sign of food for the dogs. Both were extremely weak and exhibited muscular deterioration. The dogs, named Rudy and Sammy, were taken to the Marion County Dog Shelter where a veterinarian determined that they had obviously been neglected for a long period of time. It was necessary to euthanize both dogs. Photos of the dogs are attached to this release.

Deputy Ferron also saw a single chestnut and white horse in a field to the rear of the house. The horse was very thin and appeared in poor health. There was no food, water or shelter available. Carol Epping told Ferron that she didn't have money to buy food for the dogs or the horse, but that she also felt it was her husband's responsibility to care for them. Deputy Pete Marcellais assisted in this investigation due to his training and background. Photos of the Chestnut are attached to this release.

Family members of the Epping's arrived at the house while Deputy Ferron was there and agreed to care for the horse. They agreed to leave it on the Epping property, but they would feed it until a more permanent home could be located. They did so until January 9th when the Eppings signed ownership of the horse over to the United SPCA in Yamhill.

It was learned that the second horse that had been reported as malnourished had died in late December, days before our deputies arrived to investigate. It was buried on the property.

Dr. Barbara Kahl, United SPCA provided Deputy Ferron with a report on the Chestnut's condition. She concluded that the horse had been malnourished for some time. It was undersized for its age (14 hands at 4 years), and showed a pattern of neglect for even the very basic maintenance and care. Dr. Kahl removed metal staples and glass shards form the horse's hooves and mane. The field he lived in was full of discarded garbage and he had apparently stepped on broken bottles and roofing staples. Dr. Kahl rated the horse at a 2 on the standard 1-10 scale.

After nearly a month of treatment, the Chestnut is doing much better. The horse, "Banjo" is available for adoption on the United SPCA website: http://unitedspca.org/Contact_Us.html.

Upon concluding his investigation on February 9th, Deputy Ferron arrested both Carol and Heath Epping and booked both into the Marion County Jail. They were charged with four counts of Animal Neglect 1 (a misdemeanor). Photos of both are attached to this release.

Owners who find themselves unable to feed and care for their animals are encouraged to seek assistance before the condition of the animals deteriorates. There are numerous animal rescue sites on the Internet available to help you. If you need further assistance, call our office.

A 27-year old woman was robbed by a masked man as she walked eastbound on Donald Road NE early Wednesday morning.

Misty Walter told Sr. Deputy David Wagner that she was walking to a friend's house in Donald at about 6:20am. As she passed Huckleberry Lane NE she saw a man riding by on a bicycle. After passing her, the man suddenly turned around and started attacking her. Ms. Walter told the deputy that the man used a nearby piece of cement to hit her on the head before he stole her purse and cell phone. She was able to get away and ran to a house to call 911. Walter was alone at the time of the robbery.

The robber was described as a male, about 5-8, 170, wearing a black pull down beanie mask with cutouts for the mouth and eyes. He also wore a camo hunting jacket with a hood and steel toed dark colored boots. The suspect had a raspy "smokers" voice. He was riding a silver BMX type bicycle.

Medics transported Walter to the Legacy Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin for treatment of a scrape on her head and cuts to her hands. Her injuries were relatively minor.

Anyone with information about this robbery can contact Sr. Deputy Wagner at Dwagner@co.marion.or.us , or you can call the anonymous MCSO Tip Line at 503.540.8079.

There was an error made in the contact number for Deputy Rejaian... The correct number 503.576.0651

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Marion County Deputies are investigating a Friday night hit & run crash that left a Salem teenager in the hospital with serious injuries.

Deputy Stacy Rejaian responded to the call at 7:45pm. The crash occurred in the intersection of Lancaster Drive SE and Durbin Avenue SE in Salem.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a pick up truck driving northbound on Lancaster Drive struck a pedestrian as she was crossing Lancaster from east to west. The pedestrian was crossing with a girlfriend who apparently saw the truck coming and was able to avoid being hit. She was unable to alert the victim in time. Witnesses said it appeared that the truck was accelerating as it went through the intersection, trying to "beat the light". They also confirmed that the girls were in the crosswalk and had the "walk" signal as they crossed. The driver of the truck continued northbound on Lancaster after hitting the victim.

The victim is identified as 14-year old Kathryn Staudinger of Salem. Staudinger was originally transported to Salem Hospital for treatment, but we have been told that late last evening she was moved to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland. Her last known condition was "serious".

Witnesses described the truck as a 1980's model Ford F150. Different witnesses described the color as light brown, tan or possibly rusty. It had been lifted and had loud exhaust pipes. It should have right front damage.

Deputy Rejaian is continuing her investigation. Anyone with information on this crash can contact her at 503.576.0651 or email her at Srejaian@co.marion.or.us.

There are no scene photos available at this time.

The name of the girlfriend walking with the victim is not available at this time. A message has been left for the mother of the victim to see if she is willing to speak with the media. This information will be updated at a later time.

Two felons were arrested on drug possession charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 5 Wednesday afternoon.

At about 3:00pm, Sr. Deputy Kevin Ely spotted a 2011 Ford Edge traveling northbound I-5 near Mission Street. The car's speed was confirmed by LIDAR at 86mph in the 60mph zone. The car was rapidly changing lanes and passing other cars.

After stopping the car, Deputy Ely detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside of the car. A search revealed over two pounds of marijuana, vacuum-sealed in individual bags and stored in a duffle bag. Ely found smaller amounts of marijuana on the driver and passenger of the car. Additionally, he found handwritten notes indicating the men were involved in prior sales of marijuana.

The driver was identified as Deonta James Broussard, 30, of Seattle Washington. His passenger was 22-year old Dominique Turner of San Francisco, California. Broussard's 6-year old daughter was a rear seat passenger.

Broussard told the deputy he was divorced from his daughter's mother, who lives in California. He had travelled to California to pick up his daughter and bring her to Washington for a visit. Neither man would discuss the marijuana found in the car.

Broussard has an extensive criminal record in California. His record includes convictions for possession machine guns, theft and selling drugs. Turner has a prior conviction for possessing stolen property.

Both men were booked into the Marion County Jail and charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), distribution of a controlled substance (marijuana), and child endangerment.

Broussard's daughter was placed in the care of the Department of Human Services, pending her return to California.

Broussard's vehicle was impounded.

Marion County Sheriff's Deputies are diverting traffic around the intersection of River Road South and Orville Road South due to a truck crash that is blocking River Road at the railroad crossing.

Deputies were called to the scene at 8:53am. Traffic Safety Deputy Casey Burnham discovered a large semi truck and trailer wedged under the railroad crossing on River Road, about two miles east of Independence.

The driver of the Walmart truck & trailer, Glenn V. Bickford, 63, of Coos Bay, said he misread the height restriction sign and thought his truck and trailer would fit under the crossing. The impact left the 53' Great Dane trailer wedged under the crossing on a 45 degree angle, completely blocking the roadway in both directions. The damage to the trailer was major.

Bickford said he left the Walmart on South Commercial and used his truck's GPS to navigate to the Walmart store in Monmouth for his next pick up. The most direct route led him to Orville Road and River Road. He said he thought the height restriction sign for the crossing read 13' 9", but it is actually posted for 12' 9". The trailer is 13' 6" tall. He said he was unfamiliar with the area and was unable to find a place large enough to turn around. He was not injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Bickford was cited by Deputy Burnham for violating the road use limits. Burnham remained at the scene to assist Bickford in contacting his employer and removing the truck and trailer.

Wreckers have been called, but the response time from Woodburn will likely leave the road blocked for several hours. Marion County Public Works is posting signs to warn drivers to use alternate routes to Independence.

An update will be posted when the road reopens.

At approximately 1:49pm, the Willamette Valley Dispatch Center began receiving 911 calls from the residents at the Silver Spur RV Park, 12622 Silverton Road NE, west of Silverton. Callers reported a man carrying several firearms was walking through the park, randomly shooting at people and RVs. One caller reported at least one person was hit by gunfire.

The shooter was described as an adult male carrying two handguns and a rifle. Callers continued to provide call-takers with the shooter's movements. This information was forwarded to Marion County Deputies as they responded. Officers from Silverton PD, Keizer PD and Troopers from the Oregon State Police also responded to assist.

The first units arrived on the scene within minutes of the first call. They located the shooter perched behind a picnic table on a small hill in the southwest part of the park. Upon seeing the Deputies, the shooter fired his rifle at them; one MCSO deputy returned fire.

As this exchange began, Medics were requested to "stage" nearby in case more victims were located and needed treatment.

Minutes later, two OSP Troopers arrived at the scene; they were immediately fired upon by the shooter; both Troopers returned fire.

During these exchanges with law enforcement, the shooter was hit by at least one law enforcement round. He was life-flighted to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland where he later died from his wounds. The name of the shooter is being withheld until we can make family notifications.

We have no information available as to the type of firearms used by the shooter, or how many shots the shooter or law enforcement officers fired.

Deputies then checked the entire RV park for victims. One male adult male was initially treated at the Silverton Hospital, but he has since been transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. His condition was listed as stable. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time until family notifications can be made.

Initial reports that there was a second female victim of the shooter were found to be inaccurate. We have spoken to her and confirmed she was not injured, but she did witness the incident.

This shooting remains an active investigation, and due to the law enforcement involvement, it will be conducted according to the Marion County SB 111 protocols - Keizer PD will be the lead investigative agency.

Representatives from the Marion County District Attorney's Office responded to the scene to assist investigators. Marion County Sheriff Jason Myers and Undersheriff Troy Clausen also responded to the scene.

In a 5:00pm media briefing held at the Silverton Fire Department, Sheriff Myers expressed his appreciation for the work of all of the officers: " These active shooter calls are very difficult situations. Law enforcement personnel must act quickly and decisively to make decisions that have long term implications. My initial review leads me to believe that our Deputies, the OSP Troopers and responding agencies did a remarkable job. As a result of their courageous work, the Silverton community can rest a little easier tonight".

The names of the law enforcement personnel involved are being withheld at this time. They were placed on paid administrative leave consistent with SB 111 policy.

Silverton Road was temporarily closed between the City and Brush Creek Road. It was reopened to traffic at about 6:00pm. The RV park is still being processed as a crime scene and will remain under control of the investigators until the on-scene work is completed.

No scene photos or surveillance video is available at this time. Because this investigation is ongoing, the 911 calls are not available for release.

The owner of a local towing company did something he thought he'd never do; he supervised the recovery of his tow truck following a crash that landed the truck near the bottom of a steep hill.

The incident began at about 11:52am, this morning when Mickey Henson, 51, of M & M Towing in Woodburn was called to the scene of an earlier crash to help with the removal of a large truck trailer. (see MCSO Media Release on that crash at 10:32am, today). One M&M tow truck was already on that scene working to remove the trailer from under a railroad crossing.

Henson decided to drive his favorite 1988 Kenworth T600 tow truck, which had recently undergone a $20,000 restoration. As Henson drove westbound on Orville Road, approaching River Road South in South Salem, he discovered that he'd lost the brakes on the truck.

He made several attempts to down shift, but the truck continued to gain speed. Henson told deputies that he narrowly missed oncoming cars. As it approached the scene of the original crash, the truck left the roadway and careened down an embankment, coming to rest on its side.

The final resting place was within feet of Marion County Deputy Casey Burnham who was sitting in his patrol car writing the report from the prior crash. Burnham heard the truck crashing through the trees and was able to rapidly back out of the path of the truck. Both Burnham and a citizen involved in the original crash escaped injury, but the area was covered with truck debris from the crash.

Orville Road was closed for about four hours while additional tow trucks from M&M Towing removed the owner's prized tow truck. Henson told deputies he had driven over 1.7 million miles in the truck since new, but that now, it was a total loss.

Henson and his passenger/employee, Raul Diosaado, 35, of Woodburn, sought treatment for minor injuries.

A wanted Parole Violator was arrested this morning following a 6-mile pursuit and crash near the City of Aurora.

At about 10:45am, Sr. Deputy David Wagner spotted a white 1995 Cadillac in the parking lot of the Broadacres Store on Butteville Road. Wagner could see a man sitting in the driver's seat. The vehicle had been identified as one involved in several car clouts in Aurora during the past few weeks.

Pete Marcellais, the MCSO Deputy assigned to Aurora, had earlier issued an alert for all deputies to watch for the vehicle. Marcellais' 2-week investigation had developed Uriah Johnathan Gibson, 23, of Aurora as the suspect in the thefts from parked vehicles. Gibson was known to drive the Cadillac and was also known to be a parolee. On Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Marcellais spotted Gibson driving in Aurora and tried to arrest him. Gibson was able to avoid arrest by speeding off in the Cadillac.

As Wagner drove by the parked car this morning, Gibson realized he'd been spotted. He immediately drove off southbound on Butteville Road. Wagner followed him with his emergency lights and siren activated. During the next few minutes, Gibson attempted to get away from Wagner, driving at speeds up to 105mph, passing some cars and forcing other cars in oncoming lanes off the road. At one point, Gibson drove off the paved road through a grass field near the Woodburn Drag Strip. He eventually made his way back to Butteville Road and continued southbound.

The pursuit ended momentarily at the intersection of Jensen Road NE and St. Louis Road NE when Gibson failed to stop for the stop sign and crashed into a jersey barrier at the "T" intersection. Smoke poured from the car's engine; Wagner wasn't sure if the car was on fire or if Gibson was injured. Wagner went to check on his condition and place him under arrest.

Gibson refused to obey verbal commands and suddenly restarted his car and drove west over Interstate 5 with the car still smoking and a couple of tires flattened. At the bottom of the overpass he crossed over into the oncoming lane and came to a stop. Due to the danger Gibson's driving posed to other drivers, Wagner used his patrol car to push the Cadillac off the road into a ditch, bringing the pursuit to an end.

Gibson was taken into custody, but claimed he was injured in the earlier crash. Medics transported him to the Salem Hospital for treatment. Woodburn Fire personnel dealt with the smoking car.

Following treatment, Gibson will be booked into the Marion County Jail and charged with Felony Elude (2 counts), Reckless Endangerment (3 counts), Hit & Run (misd), and a Parole Violation (prior conviction for domestic violence).

Deputy Marcellais plans to interview Gibson regarding the prior car clouts and the pursuit he had with Gibson on Tuesday.

He is scheduled for court on Thursday at 3:00pm.

PIO Don Thomson is going to be away from the office for a few days. PIO duties will be handled by the following MCSO personnel:

Beginning at 12:00pm, Friday the 1st, Detective Chris Baldridge will handle the PIO duties. Detective Baldridge can be reached by cell at 503.991.6389 or email: Cbaldridge@co.marion,.or.us

On Saturday evening, March 2nd, the PIO duty will transfer to Lieutenant Tad Larson. Lt. Larson will handle them until my return, Tuesday morning, March 5th. Lt. Larson can be reached by cell at 503.932.3133 or email: Tlarson@co.marion.or.so .

Have a safe weekend.

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