Fatal Rollover Crash On Highway 20 West Of Philomath
- 08/04/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 20, approximately seven miles west of Philomath.
A preliminary investigation indicates 55-year-old Eric Hillard Lee, of Corvallis, was traveling west in a black 1999 Honda Passport. For unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed the highway and rolled, coming to rest on the eastbound side.
Highway 20 was closed at Priest Road for approximately two hours while investigators processed the scene. Traffic was diverted onto Highway 223.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire and Rescue, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance.
The Benton County Crash Team continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call their tip line at 541-753-8477. Please reference case No. 2026-01782.
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Fatal Rollover Crash On Highway 20 West Of Philomath
- 08/04/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 20, approximately seven miles west of Philomath.
A preliminary investigation indicates 55-year-old Eric Hillard Lee, of Corvallis, was traveling west in a black 1999 Honda Passport. For unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed the highway and rolled, coming to rest on the eastbound side.
Highway 20 was closed at Priest Road for approximately two hours while investigators processed the scene. Traffic was diverted onto Highway 223.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire and Rescue, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance.
The Benton County Crash Team continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information is asked to contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call their tip line at 541-753-8477. Please reference case No. 2026-01782.
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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Hosts School Supply Drive (Photo)
- 07/31/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is hosting its 17th annual Back to School Supply Drive now through August 26th. The community is invited to take part in this annual event.
If you'd like to support the supply drive, backpacks are one of the most needed items for students from families facing financial hardship as they prepare to return to school. Monetary donations are also welcome—just $35 can equip a student with supplies for the entire school year.
Other supplies needed include:
- Binders: 3-ring
- Cleaning wipes
- Coats or jackets
- Colored pencils
- Composition books
- Crayola Crayons
- Dry-erase markers
- Erasers
- Folders
- Glue and glue sticks
- Hand sanitizer
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Lined paper & spiral notebooks
- Lunchboxes
- Pens & pencils
- Pencil bags or boxes
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Socks (new)
- Tissue/Kleenex
- Underwear for kids (new)
- Watercolor paints
- Not accepted: used supplies and books
Supplies gathered will be divided and distributed between five rural schools including Alsea Elementary, Blodgett Elementary, Kings Valley Charter School, Monroe Elementary, and Muddy Creek Charter School, immediately following the event.
“Every student deserves to begin the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “By working together, we can ease the burden on local families and show students that their community is invested in their future.”
Cash/check or supplies may be dropped off or mailed to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, attention: The Sheriff’s Foundation, 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis, 97330. Please contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov with any questions.
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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Hosts School Supply Drive (Photo)
- 07/31/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is hosting its 17th annual Back to School Supply Drive now through August 26th. The community is invited to take part in this annual event.
If you'd like to support the supply drive, backpacks are one of the most needed items for students from families facing financial hardship as they prepare to return to school. Monetary donations are also welcome—just $35 can equip a student with supplies for the entire school year.
Other supplies needed include:
- Binders: 3-ring
- Cleaning wipes
- Coats or jackets
- Colored pencils
- Composition books
- Crayola Crayons
- Dry-erase markers
- Erasers
- Folders
- Glue and glue sticks
- Hand sanitizer
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Lined paper & spiral notebooks
- Lunchboxes
- Pens & pencils
- Pencil bags or boxes
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Socks (new)
- Tissue/Kleenex
- Underwear for kids (new)
- Watercolor paints
- Not accepted: used supplies and books
Supplies gathered will be divided and distributed between five rural schools including Alsea Elementary, Blodgett Elementary, Kings Valley Charter School, Monroe Elementary, and Muddy Creek Charter School, immediately following the event.
“Every student deserves to begin the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “By working together, we can ease the burden on local families and show students that their community is invested in their future.”
Cash/check or supplies may be dropped off or mailed to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, attention: The Sheriff’s Foundation, 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis, 97330. Please contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov with any questions.
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Man Dies After Drowning Near Crystal Lake
- 07/20/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – A 51-year-old man, Romail Dontail Allen of Albany, died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake.
At about 11:50 a.m. on July 19, emergency responders received a report of a person in the water near river mile 133. A witness attempted to rescue Allen and reported at about 11:59 a.m. that he appeared to be deceased. Another witness said Allen was not wearing a life jacket.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were on duty but were operating downriver near the Polk County line when the call came in. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.
Corvallis Fire personnel recovered Allen from the river at about 12:22 p.m. The recovery occurred upriver from Michael’s Landing. Fire personnel began resuscitation efforts immediately and continued them while transporting Allen to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to wear a properly fitted life jacket when recreating in or near the water. Conditions can change quickly, and even experienced swimmers can become overwhelmed.
Life jackets are available for free public use at stations in Benton County parks near the Willamette River. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a life jacket and return it after use so it remains available for others.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Corvallis Fire Department for its rapid response and lifesaving efforts, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center for coordinating the emergency response, and the witness who attempted to rescue Allen.
If you have further information regarding the drowning, please contact Deputy Brigg Savage at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
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Man Dies After Drowning Near Crystal Lake
- 07/20/26
CORVALLIS, Ore. – A 51-year-old man, Romail Dontail Allen of Albany, died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake.
At about 11:50 a.m. on July 19, emergency responders received a report of a person in the water near river mile 133. A witness attempted to rescue Allen and reported at about 11:59 a.m. that he appeared to be deceased. Another witness said Allen was not wearing a life jacket.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were on duty but were operating downriver near the Polk County line when the call came in. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.
Corvallis Fire personnel recovered Allen from the river at about 12:22 p.m. The recovery occurred upriver from Michael’s Landing. Fire personnel began resuscitation efforts immediately and continued them while transporting Allen to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to wear a properly fitted life jacket when recreating in or near the water. Conditions can change quickly, and even experienced swimmers can become overwhelmed.
Life jackets are available for free public use at stations in Benton County parks near the Willamette River. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a life jacket and return it after use so it remains available for others.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Corvallis Fire Department for its rapid response and lifesaving efforts, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center for coordinating the emergency response, and the witness who attempted to rescue Allen.
If you have further information regarding the drowning, please contact Deputy Brigg Savage at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
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