On Thursday, 09-05-2019, at about 1:37 AM, the Lincoln City Police and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the Holmes Road Park on a report of a vehicle on fire at that location. One of the initial complainants reported hearing an explosion just before seeing a car on fire. Upon arriving at the park, Lincoln City Police officers found an SUV type vehicle on fire and over the embankment near the water line of Devils Lake. No one was seen in the area and the vehicle appeared unoccupied. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue arrived on scene and quickly began fire suppression efforts on the vehicle as well as on the embankment foliage as it had also caught fire.
North Lincoln Fire & Rescue personnel were able to quickly extinguish the vehicle and embankment fire and it was determined there was no one in the vehicle. Because the front of the vehicle had become submerged in the lake during the fire suppression efforts, the Oregon Environmental Response System was activated due to possible hazardous substances that may have leached into the lake.
Once the SUV was pulled up from the embankment later in the morning, investigators were able to determine it was a 2019 Toyota 4runner that was reported stolen out of the Salem area. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Car Care Tow Pro.
The investigation into the suspicious circumstances and fire involved with this incident is continuing. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective James Burke at the Lincoln City Police Department, 541-994-3636.
Submitted By:
Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn
During the month of August, the Lincoln City Police Department utilized traffic safety grant funds to put extra patrol officers on duty specifically for the enhanced enforcement of Distracted Driving laws. Two enhanced enforcement operations were conducted resulting in 11 citations being issued for distracted driving along with 2 citations for driving while suspended, 2 citations for speeding, and 2 citations for other violations.
With the new school year beginning, the Lincoln City Police Department plans on utilizing grant funds to conduct additional enhanced enforcement operations for Distracted Driving during the month of September.
As a reminder it is imperative for drivers to fully focus on the task of safely driving their vehicle and to not let anything divert their attention from that task. Drivers need to be paying attention and actively scanning the road ahead of them while watching out for pedestrians and cyclists as well as school busses picking up or dropping off children. The emphasis for the officers working these enhanced enforcement operations is to find and stop drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle.
Our goal is simple: to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City by keeping distracted drivers off the roadways and preventing crashes that can cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.
Submitted By: Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn
Lincoln City Police Department
On Tuesday, 08-20-2019, at about 2:30 PM, Lincoln City Police were dispatched to the Zumiez Outlet Store at the Lincoln City Outlet Mall in regards to a theft and a disturbance. While in route officers were advised that a female suspect had fled the store after stealing merchandise and assaulting one of the store employees. A good description of the female suspect was obtained, as well as information that indicated she was last seen running into a wooded area near SE 14th St. Several officers arrived in the area within minutes and began searching for the suspect. The female suspect was soon located and after a brief chase through the woods, she was taken into custody without further incident.
The female suspect was identified as 35-year-old Tara Nichole Bates of McKinleyville, California. Officers noted that Bates was still wearing a pair of shoes she had stolen when she was arrested. Bates was initially transported to the Lincoln City Police Department and secured in a holding cell for a short time while officers completed their investigation and some related paperwork. Bates was then transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged there on charges of Robbery III, Theft III, and Harassment.
The store employee did not sustain any significant injuries and did not require any medical attention at the scene.
Submitted By:
Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn
The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing grant funds to step up their enforcement efforts against drunk driving as part of a national crackdown over the Labor Day weekend period. In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon Impact, the enhanced enforcement efforts are designed to curb drunken driving, decrease crashes and save lives. During the Labor Day weekend time period, law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out in force looking to get drunk and impaired drivers off the roadways. The Lincoln City Police Department plans on putting extra patrol officers on duty between August 30 - September 2, during times when higher numbers of drunk or impaired drivers are likely to be on the roadways. These extra officers will focus on seeking out drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths throughout the nation.
The Lincoln City Police Department last used these grant funds in May 2019 over the Memorial Day weekend time period, however no intoxicated drivers were arrested during that enhanced enforcement operation.
The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors. The DUII Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assists us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries caused by DUII crashes. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.
Submitted By:
Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn
Lincoln City Police Department