Coastal Bridge Climber, Aug. 5

News release from the Newport PD. n August 3, 2014, at about 9:00 p.m., Newport Police Officers were dispatched to the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Witnesses reported that a male subject had climbed over the railing, down the arches, and onto a support pillar just south of the center span. Officers located the subject, Donald Lee Allen, age 45 of Pendleton, Oregon. Allen was standing on a support pillar approximately 20 feet above the water. The US Coast Guard responded but was unable to reach the pillar due to the outgoing tide. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Deputy was summoned to assist, arriving at 10:32 p.m. Once the Lincoln County Sheriff’s marine arrived at Allen’s location, he was able to climb down a ladder and safely enter the boat. Once on board, Allen was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Trespass 1st Degree; Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree; and Giving False Information to a Police Officer. He was transported to shore and evaluated by medical personnel on scene. He was then transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was lodged with a bail of $85,000. The Newport Police Department was assisted by the US Coast Guard, Newport Fire Department, PacWest Ambulance, Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.