On 04/23/19 at approximately 10:36 AM, the Corvallis Police Department received a report of a theft from Fred Meyer (777 NW Kings Blvd). A Loss Prevention Officer reported that during the commission of the theft, a male later identified as 37-year-old Robert Miller of Corvallis, struck him and displayed a knife. Miller left the area of Fred Meyer eastbound on NW Buchanan Ave.

Officers arrived in the area, contacting Miller across the street from the Corvallis High School main doors. Officers requested a “Lock Out” procedure to be conducted by staff at Corvallis High School as a precaution, due to the nature of the report. The request for “Lock Out” was inadvertently communicated to the high school as a request for a “Lock Down.”  At no time was Miller on the property of Corvallis High School.

Miller was taken into custody without incident and the “Lock Out” was lifted within 6 minutes. Miller was transported to the Benton County Jail and booked on the following charges: Robbery 3, Attempted Assault 4, Menacing, Criminal Mischief 2, Disorderly Conduct 2, and Theft 3. In addition, Miller had an active warrant for his arrest.

As with all incidents of this nature, the Corvallis Police Department and Corvallis School District will work collaboratively to review the procedures utilized. The Corvallis Police Department regrets any undue concern this has caused the community, but remains dedicated to the current procedures in place that ensure the safety of district staff, students and the community.