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@LaneSheriffOR
On 5/27/2020 at 5:50 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male throwing a hatchet at a group of juveniles and chasing them with a knife at Marcola Road and Old Mohawk Road. Deputies responded and investigation indicates that a group of juveniles, accompanied by an adult, encountered 47 year old Justin Rex Turner (unknown city of residence) who was applying graffiti under the bridge along the McKenzie River where they went to go swimming. Upon realizing he was not alone, Turner reportedly threw a hatchet at the group, barely missing the juveniles.
Turner then reportedly began chasing the group with a hunting knife. One of the juveniles was injured during a fall while running from Turner. Turner then got into a Chevrolet Impala and pulled out onto Marcola Road right in front of a Honda, occupied by a man and his dog, resulting in a crash that injured the driver of the Honda and severely damaged both vehicles.
Turner fled the crash scene without contacting the injured occupant of the Honda and jumped from a nearby bridge into the McKenzie River. The driver of the Honda, a 28 year old male from Sweet Home, was evaluated at a local hospital for injuries. No injuries to the dog were reported.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies were assisted by the Springfield Police Department and a Springfield K9 unit in the search for Turner. Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue also responded to search the river by boat. Turner was located in the vicinity of the crash site and was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the charges listed below.
Attempted Assault in the second degree,
Assault in the fourth degree x 2,
Menacing x 6,
Unlawful Use of a Weapon x 2,
Driving While Suspended,
Hit and Run,
Warrant: Criminal Mischief in the second degree and Interfering with a Police Officer, and
Probation Violation
Thank you to the Mohawk Valley Rural Fire District and the Springfield Police Department for assisting with this call!