Coos Bay Man Arrested for Slashing Throat of Oregon Auctioneer

Deputies located the suspect in a trailer park just over one mile from the auction.

Salem-News.com

(WOODBURN, Ore.) - A Coos Bay man is under arrest today for taking out a boxcutter and attacking an Oregon Auctioneer at the Woodburn Auction on Highway 99, South of Woodburn.

Suspect Jeremiah Thomasson

About 80 people were in attendance at 11:50 a.m. when 22-year old Jeremiah Thomasson reportedly attacked Chuck Boyce over a two dollar bid. Boyce is an Oregon native and a longtime auctioneer. Friends describe him as an intelligent and considerate individual and express outrage over the attack.

Two dollars is the lowest bid allowed at this particular auction, and Thomasson reportedly became angry and confrontational because Boyce wouldn't lower the bid to a dollar.

Witnesses said Boyce was on a Heister, when the assailant actually jumped from behind him and cut his throat with the boxcutter.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office responded but the suspect, Thomasson, had already fled the scene by running into a trailer park according to Lt. Sheila Lorance.

"The victim's throat was cut and he was transported by life flight to a Portland area hospital with non life threatening injuries."

Lorance says Thomasson ran Southbound from the scene. Deputies, along with the help from Woodburn, Silverton, Gervis and Salem Police Departments, established a perimeter.

Chuck Boyce, Auctioneer

"Deputies, officers and several K-9's searched for the suspect in the area he was last seen running toward. Approximately three hours after the assault, deputies located the suspect in a trailer park just over one mile from the auction."

Lorance says Thomasson was arrested on charges of Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault and Unlawful use of a Weapon. Marion County Detectives continue to investigate and additional charges could be filed.