12/18/25 - LCSO Case 25-6096 - Dexter Man Arrested For DUI, Warrants After Pursuit (Photo) - 12/19/25
On December 18th at 5 p.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy contracted to patrol U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands observed a car parked in front of a gate to a secure area of Lookout Point Dam, east of Lowell. The deputy contacted the driver, Richard Leon Gaffney, 54, of Dexter, and observed he was impaired. Gaffney reversed away from the deputy and sped out of the parking lot, driving toward Lowell on W. Boundary Road.
The deputy initially pursued in his patrol vehicle, but discontinued to allow the vehicle to slow before driving into Lowell and potentially causing a crash or severe injury to bystanders. Driving conditions were also hazardous due to extremely heavy rain and darkness. The deputy was also alone, with his nearest cover officer driving from Creswell.
The driver instead continued speeding until he crashed into the ditch, just before entering Lowell where other vehicles were on the road. The deputy arrested Gaffney without further incident. During the arrest, a two loaded firearms were found concealed in the vehicle. After additional investigation, Gaffney was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for:
- DUII – Drugs
- Fleeing or Attempt to Elude Police Officer by Vehicle
- Reckless Driving
- Recklessly Endangering
- Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor
- Two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Lane County Circuit Court failure to appear warrant for Driving While Suspended
- Springfield Municipal failure to appear warrant for DUII
Attached Media Files:
LCSO Case 25-6096 Crash,
Lowell Arrest,
