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@DouglasCoSO
** UPDATE 10/25/2021 8:45 AM **
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Telephone service has been restored to the residents of Drain, Yoncalla, Elkton and Scottsburg, allowing residents in the affected area to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The Sheriff's Office was notified around 11:00 pm, Sunday evening that a cut fiber line near Cottage Grove had been repaired and restoring service to the area.
Questions regarding the damaged utility line, should be referred to the telephone service provider.
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** ORIGINAL RELEASE 10/24/2021 7:10 AM **
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has been notified by Lumen Technologies & Reliance Connect of a fiber line cut near Cottage Grove that is impacting telephone service and disrupting the ability of those affected to dial 9-1-1 from their landline telephones. The outage began roughly around 10:30 pm on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
Residents in the communities of Drain, Yoncalla, Elkton and Scottsburg are experiencing the effects of the telephone service outage. Residents who have cellular telephone service may be able to dial 9-1-1 from their cellular telephone to summon emergency services. The Drain, Yoncalla, Elkton and Scottsburg fire stations have also been staffed with personnel.
At this time, the telephone providers are unable to provide an estimated time of repair.
RIDDLE, Ore. - A Riddle man is in custody after he attempted to elude police and was tracked down by K9 Zoro.
On Friday, October 22, 2021, shortly after 10:30 pm, a Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon in the 1100 block of Glenbrook Loop Road in Riddle for traffic violations. The driver failed to stop and attempted to get away from the deputy.
The driver of the vehicle continued to the 4000-block of Glenbrook Loop before making a U-turn. The male driver continued to the 3500-block of Glenbrook Loop when he stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. A female passenger then took control of the vehicle and continued to attempt to elude law enforcement. The female, later identified as 34-year-old Sierra Marie Thompson of Riddle, was eventually stopped by a Myrtle Creek Officer and taken into custody.
K9 Zoro began tracking the male suspect from where he had ran from the vehicle. Zoro led deputies to the back of a property near a fence line, where the suspect, 36-year-old Travis John Byrd of Riddle was located hiding in the brush. Byrd surrendered to deputies after being located by K9 Zoro without further incident.
Both Byrd and Thompson were transported to the Douglas County Jail where they were lodged on the following charges:
Byrd: Attempt to Elude - Vehicle, Attempt to Elude - Foot, Obstruction of Justice, Interfering with Police Officer, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Violation Amount of Possession of Methamphetamine, Warrant Arrest.
Thompson: Attempt to Elude - Vehicle, Obstruction of Justice, Interfering with Police, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Violation Amount of Possession of Methamphetamine.
K9 Zoro, a 3 year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office since September 2019. He was purchased by an anonymous donor in the community and gifted to the agency. The Sheriff's Office K9 program, consisting of three K9 teams, is supported financially by private donations and the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support local police K9 teams. Bailey's Veterinary Clinic provides medical care for the Sheriff's Office K9 program while Coastal Farm and Home Supply provides food.
Sutherlin/Oakland: 911 Outage
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of a telephone line issue affecting residents ability to call 911 from their landline telephones. This problem is affecting residents of the Sutherlin and Oakland areas and is expected to last until sometime tomorrow.
911 lines in the affected areas have been switched to temporarily ring into the Sutherlin Police Department, which is staffed with a 911 dispatcher only until 1:00 a.m. After 1:00 a.m., the only way to reach 911 will be from a mobile phone.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - It seems to make its rounds every few months. The phone rings, it is answered and the person on the other end of the telephone identifies themselves as a law enforcement officer and tells the person that they have missed jury duty, failed to pay some fines, or they have a warrant for their arrest. Eventually, the caller states it can be cleared up by paying fees or fines in the form of Western Union, pre-loaded debit cards or gift cards.
HANG UP! IT IS A SCAM!
The Sheriff's Office has been receiving calls from members of the community reporting they have received such calls from people claiming to work for the Sheriff's Office. Some names they are providing are actual names of Sheriff's Office staff members.
It is critically important for our community to be aware of these tactics and to share them with their friends and family members, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to the scams, such as the elderly members of the community.
"It is important for retailers to inform their staff members about the scam and to ask them to be watchful for people who may be making the transactions in relation to the scam", said Lt. Brad O'Dell. Posting information about these scam tactics at cash registers or check-out points may also be helpful.
Law Enforcement will not call people to let them know they have a warrant, rather they will make personal contact.
If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has completed its tabulation of grant related enforcement related to DUII, speed and seatbelt enhanced patrols which were conducted last month.
From Labor Day weekend through September 30, 2021, deputies utilized funding provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation to create enhanced patrols in order to keep the roadways in Douglas County safer. During the grant period, deputies conducted 92 traffic stops; five of which resulted in arrests.
Citations for Speed Violations: 5
Warnings for Speed Violations: 33
Citations for Driving While Suspended: 6
Citations for Seatbelt Violations: 3
Warnings for Seatbelt Violations: 7
Citations for Distracted Driving: 3
Warnings for Distracted Driving: 6
Warnings for Equipment Violations: 17
Other Violation Citations: 8
Other Violation Warnings: 60
Recover Stolen Vehicle: 1
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - Searchers have recovered the body of Branda Hoyle who went missing on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
43-year-old Branda Hoyle was on an outing with family members when she walked away from the group. When she didn't return, family became concerned and began looking for her. They later called 9-1-1 when they hadn't located her.
On Monday, October 4, 2021, at approximately 1:00 pm, a 9-1-1 caller reported finding a deceased body along the North Umpqua River approximately 2.5 miles north east of the Umpqua Hot Springs on the North Umpqua Trail. Deputies and searchers responded and determined the body was that of Branda Hoyle.
The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the death. At this time there are no indications of foul play and prolonged exposure to the elements are considered to be the highest concerning factors.
A large scale search operation had been underway since her disappearance, but revealed no clues as to her whereabouts. Douglas County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue crews requested and received assistance from the Oregon State Police, Jackson County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, Lane County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, the Oregon State Search and Rescue Coordinator and the United States Coast Guard. Efforts included ground searchers, mountain rescue searchers, K9 teams, 4x4 teams and air resources to include aircraft and drones. Pacific Corp and the US Forest Service also provided support.
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - Search crews continue their efforts looking for the missing Roseburg woman who disappeared on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from Lemolo Forebay #2 near Toketee.
43-year-old Branda Hoyle was on an outing with family members when she walked away from the group. When she didn't return, family became concerned and began looking for her. They later called 9-1-1 when they hadn't located her.
Search efforts have been underway since Saturday without any new information.
“As hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are in the area this weekend, be aware that Branda is still missing and report any information that may be helpful to searchers," remarked Lt. Brad O'Dell. “Something as simple as a piece of clothing or a cellphone can help solve this case.”
Branda is described as 5'7'' 200 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, blue jeans and brown “Ugg style" boots. Branda is believed to be suffering from a mental health crisis and may be disoriented.
”With the rains we've recently experienced and the colder conditions at night coupled with her lack of preparedness for being out for this period of time make us extremely concerned for her welfare."
The Sheriff's Office has been assisted by the following organizations:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue
Lane County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue
Oregon State Police
Pacific Corp
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The last remaining fire evacuation notice has been lifted in Douglas County.
Based on current weather conditions and fire activity, the Sheriff's Office in consultation with the Devil's Knob Complex Fire Managers have removed all remaining evacuation notices. There are no evacuation notices in Douglas County at this time.
"The lifting of the evacuation notices, does not indicate that the fires have been extinguished or that fire season has been declared over, rather the threat to homes in the area has been eliminated to a degree that evacuation orders are no longer necessary," Lt. Brad O'Dell said. “This information comes as a relief to several of our neighbors. It's been a long summer of fire activity.”
Residents who are interested in monitoring fire activity or need information may find the following resources helpful:
Devils Knob Complex Fires:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/2021-Devils-Knob-Complex-112079071131008
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7771
Fire Information: (541) 900-6133 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Email: 2021.DevilsKnob@firenet.gov
O’Dell noted that as Douglas County enters into the fall and winter seasons, the Sheriff's Office encourages residents to ensure they are prepared for winter events and related emergencies by having an emergency plan and kit. You can learn more at www.ready.gov.