On Wednesday April 17^th, 2024 at 8:55 PM Newport Officers were alerted to a motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the Walmart parking lot. Prior to Officers arriving, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. 

The investigation revealed 44-year-old Newport resident Larry Janz II was intentionally following the victim, who was known to Janz II, in his vehicle. The victim, who was also operating a vehicle, pulled into the Walmart parking lot, stopped their vehicle in a lane of travel, and exited their vehicle. Janz II sideswiped the victim’s vehicle, striking and injuring the victim in the process. The victim, a 38-year-old Newport resident, suffered injuries severe enough to be later transported to another hospital via helicopter. Janz II fled the scene without rendering aide or exchanging information, as required by law.

Janz II was located at his residence and later taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Lincoln County jail for: 

Fail to perform duties of driver to injured persons (Class C Felony).

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Newport Officers were assisted by: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Newport Fire Department and Pacific West Ambulance.