Press Release -08/23/23

Contact:  Officer Zachary McKinney  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone:   541-258-4331  Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Nature of Event: Bomb Threat  
Date/Time Occurred: 08/23/23, 09:06 HRS  
Occurred Location: 525 North Santiam Hwy., Lebanon  

On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at about 9:06 AM, Lebanon Police Department officers responded to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, located at 525 North Santiam Highway, Lebanon, Oregon, for a report of a bomb threat.
Officers learned that Anna Leigh Karren, a 49-year-old Salem resident, had called Linn County Sheriff's Office dispatch and Lebanon Community Hospital to report that she was going to bring a bomb to the Lebanon Community Hospital. Karren further reported that she was close to the Lebanon Community Hospital at the time.
Lebanon Police officers immediately responded to the hospital and set up a perimeter. Lebanon Police dispatch began gathering information for officers. An incident command post was set up at Lebanon Hospital, along with the Lebanon Hospital emergency management team, to coordinate responses and streamline information sharing.
Utilizing investigative tools, officers learned that Karren was likely south of Lebanon. Lebanon Police detectives went to the location and made contact with Karren. Karren admitted to making statements about using a bomb; however, no bomb-making materials or weapons were discovered. Karren was taken into custody without incident, and later transported and lodged at Linn County Jail. Karren was arrested on two counts of Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree (ORS 166.023) and Harassment (ORS 166.065).
The Lebanon Police Department had no in-house history with Anna Karren. 
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Zachary McKinney at 541-258-4331.