Update Regarding Officer Involved Shooting -- Waldport, Oregon November 10, 2024 - 11/12/24

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired from 1015 SE Rolph Court, Waldport, Oregon. Deputy Benjamin Cloud, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, was first on scene and took up an observation position to the south of the residence. While waiting for additional officers to respond, a subject exited the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by Deputy Cloud. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and the subject was transported by ambulance. The subject was pronounced deceased while enroute to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. 

The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old female Virginia Lee Morris of Waldport, Oregon. Next of kin has been notified. The subject’s firearm was recovered from the scene. No other individuals were harmed during this event.

Pursuant to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy, Deputy Cloud has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the use of deadly force. Deputy Cloud has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

The investigation into this incident is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln City Police Department assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigation are detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Oregon State Police.

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