Salem-News.com Marion County articles Page 21

Kids Will `Shop With a Cop` in Mid-Valley Cities

The "Shop with a Cop" events are a great opportunity for police officers to interact with children that may only have had a negative experience with law enforcement.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The need is greater this year as state troopers, county deputies, and city police officers reach out to help over 600 kids shop for special gifts this holiday season at three locations in Linn, Benton and Marion counties. It is part of their area annual "Shop with a Cop" event.

For the 14th year, Corvallis and Albany-area police officers will help local disadvantaged and foster children shop for Christmas gifts as part of the local "Shop with a Cop" program. Last year, 181 children left with smiles on their faces after purchasing videos, clothing, toys, and other special gifts while shopping with state, county, and city police officers.

"We all are experiencing in some way the impact of the economy and most of these children would receive very little even in the best of times," said long-time "Shop with a Cop" organizer, Ms. Reita Wyatt.

Search and Rescue Teams Credited With Locating Lost Mushroom Picker

Lost overnight in the dark, the 62-year old man walked and at times crawled throughout the night, except for about 2 hours when he was able to sleep.‏

(SCOTTS MILLS, Ore.) - A mushroom picker lost overnight off of Crooked Finger Road in Scotts Mills near Camp Dakota, was recovered safely by search teams from Marion County's Sheriff's Office this morning. His friend became concerned and called 911 around 9:00 PM Friday night.

Police Arrest Jefferson Man On Numerous Sex Abuse Charges

Investigators hope to make contact with any other possible victims.

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff Russ Isham says detectives arrested a 68-year old Jefferson man on multiple charges of sex abuse Tuesday.

Isham says David G. Garcia was contacted and arrested at his home in Jefferson after reports that he had sexually abused three juvenile victims between 1991 and July of 2008. "The victims were ages 7, 8 and 9-years old at the time of the alleged crimes and were all known to Garcia," Isham said.

Garcia has been charged with first-degree Attempted Rape, 2 counts of first-degree Sodomy, 2 counts of Unlawful Penetration, 3 counts of first-degree Sex Abuse and third-degree Sex Abuse.

Law Enforcement Agencies Plan Fundraising Event

It is a chance to assist two area law enforcement families who have met with tragic circumstances.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Salem Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office are holding a fundraising concert to benefit Salem Police Officer Tim Holm and Marion County Sheriff's Parole/Probation Sergeant Jake Greer and their families.

The concert will feature the Bryan Flannery Band and will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 25th in the auditorium of West Salem High School.

Officer Holm was on a motorcycle ride July 6th on his off-duty time when he became involved in a crash near Dallas, Oregon. He sustained a severe spinal cord injury and spent five weeks in intensive care and several more weeks in a physical rehabilitation facility. He is now confined to a wheelchair. Officer Holm's wife, Karen, is an English teacher at West Salem High School and they have two children.

Oregon Labor Day Traffic Fatalities Tie With Worst Since 1988

Following notification of another fatal crash over the 78-hour Labor Day holiday extended weekend, Oregon's new count is now ten fatalities in eight fatal crashes.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon's past two major holiday weekend fatality reduction statistics was thrown into reverse during the 78-hour 2008 Labor Day Holiday extended weekend as preliminary information indicates 10 people were killed in eight separate traffic crashes between 6:00 PM, August 29th, and 11:59 PM, September 1st.

Missing Alzheimer Patient Located

The man was located after he hitched a ride to California.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Marion County Sheriff's Office has been notified that 68-year old William Mefford has been located in Cottonwood California.

According to family members who are currently with Mr. Mefford in California, Mr. Mefford hitchhiked from Salem to Cottonwood California where he grew up. Mr. Mefford was described as in good health when his family met up with him.

Deputies in Salem Say Burglary Suspect was Caught in the Act

The home owner or owners, were not at the location when this incident occurred.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County deputies say they nabbed a burglar in the act of removing items from a Salem home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to Commander Jason Myers with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Deputies Lance Weitman and Bob Arnsmeier were dispatched to a residential alarm at a home on Inland Drive S. in Salem at 1:04 AM.

Police Identify 24-Year Old Woman as Homicide Victim

They're seeking any information regarding the whereabouts and activities of Jessica Marie Long in the days and hours preceding her murder.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive person in the roadway approximately half of a mile east of State Highway 214 between Woodburn and Mt. Angel in Marion County, Oregon Wednesday night at 10:00 PM.

The deceased female has been identified as 24-year old Jessica Marie Long. She reportedly died from a gunshot.

Female Body Found on Rural County Road Under Investigation

"The cause of death is not yet known but the nature appears to be suspicious." - Jason Myers, Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - Law enforcement officials say a female body was found last night on a rural road in east Marion County.

Commander Jason Myers with the Marion County Sheriff's Office says the cause of death is not yet known but the nature appears to be suspicious."

Human Remains Found on Willamette Island are Female

The remains appear to be of an elderly female with a height between 5'3" and 5'6".

(SALEM, Ore.) - Deputies learned May 11th that human remains were discovered on an island in the Willamette River.

Commander Jason Myers with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, says the human skeletal remains were located by a kayaker who stopped on the small island that occupies a section of the river between Salem and Independence, Oregon.