Creswell Burglary, June 26

On 6/25/2020 at 7:46 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report than a man, later identified as 49 year old James Paul Smith of Creswell, had followed a community member home and refused to leave the community member’s porch. A short time later after the residents left, Smith was found breaking into the home and was interrupted by a neighbor. Smith and the neighbor were engaged in a physical fight when Creswell deputies arrived.  Smith, who appeared extremely agitated and was speaking incoherently, then turned on deputies. Smith refused commands and fought with deputies as they attempted to take him into custody. After several minutes of fighting with Smith, deputies deployed a Taser which only had a slight effect on him. The fight continued as additional deputies outside of the City of Creswell contract responded. Deputies were eventually able to secure Smith in handcuffs but he continued to try to fight with deputies. Smith was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation and was cleared to be taken to jail where he was lodged on multiple charges, listed below. Responding deputies suffered minor injuries. The neighbor who interrupted the burglary suffered injuries from the altercation with Smith, including a human bite, but he was not transported to the hospital. Arrested: James Paul Smith, 49 years old, Creswell; Charges: Burglary in the first degree; Criminal Mischief in the third degree; Assault in the fourth degree; Resisting Arrest; Assault of a Public Safety Officer.