Suspect Turns Self In
City of North Bend release, David Milliron, City Administrator – Sunday, June 20, 2021. “I have been informed that Oen Evan Nicholson, the suspect in the events in North Bend on June 18, 2021, has turned himself into authorities in Wisconsin. Those gathered around me are just a sampling of the dedicated people who have worked tirelessly on this case. Much more work is yet to be done, but I want to thank every agency involved for the diligent work of their personnel.” According to authorities, Nicholson forced a Springfield woman, Laura Johnson, to drive him across the country Friday. The investigation is continuing.
NB Shooting
Bay Area law enforcement agencies were seeking a suspect Friday morning, June 18, following two incidents that left two people dead in North Bend. According to reports, a hit & run was reported to police shortly before 10 a.m. at the Mill Casino RV Park. One person was deceased and another was taken to Bay Area Hospital. Police then received a report of a shooting at the Herbal Choices marijuana dispensary on Hwy. 101 in North Bend. One person was reported to be deceased. Police are searching for a white 2019 Dodge 3500 with the license plate of 243 LWL. The investigation is on-going.
Shooting Folo
The search for the suspect responsible for the deaths of three people in North Bend Friday moved to Hwy. 126 east of Mapleton as the vehicle police were searching for was located on fire in Lane Co. The incident began Friday morning shortly before 10 a.m. with a report of a hit & run at the Mill RV Park off Tremont Ave. in North Bend. Police found a male deceased and a female seriously injured. Another report followed regarding a shooting at the Herbal Choice marijuana dispensary on Sherman Ave. (Hwy. 101) in North Bend. A clerk had been reportedly shot and killed. The suspect reportedly went to Big 5 sporting goods at Pony Village Mall on Virginia Ave. where he purchased bullets. Photos of the suspect were obtained and circulated throughout Western Oregon. Police then received a report of the suspect vehicle on fire off Hwy. 126 and a report of a male with a handgun entering the brush. The area was cordoned off and a wide range search began. Hwy. 126 was closed on the western end at Mapleton with eastbound traffic diverted to Hwy. 36, Swisshome-Triangle Lake.
Lane Co. Sheriff’s Office Search for Shooting Suspect
On 06/18/21 shortly after 12:00pm, the Oregon State Police and Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a vehicle crash on Hwy. 126 near milepost 39 in Noti. The driver of the involved vehicle, a white Dodge 243LWL, was no longer on scene when authorities arrived. This vehicle is believed to be linked to the homicides that occurred in the North Bend area earlier Friday, June 18. The suspect in this case is described as a white male adult standing approximately 6’02” and weighing approximately 200lbs. He was further described as having short hair and wearing a dark-colored t-shirt and blue jeans. He is to be considered armed and dangerous. Residents in the area are asked to shelter in place and to immediately report any suspicious activity to authorities. Anyone who saw the involved vehicle during or following the crash or anyone matching the suspect description is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. We are additionally hoping to contact the driver of a small white sedan that may have stopped at the crash scene. *Update* – As of 5:20pm authorities re-opened Hwy. 126 near milepost 39. The suspect’s whereabouts are currently unknown and it is possible that he has already fled the area. Residents are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately. A heavy police presence is still on scene actively searching for the suspect.
Mayor of NB Statement on Shootings
City of North Bend release, Friday, June 18, 2021 – “On behalf of the City of North Bend, I would like to express my deepest condolences and prayers for the victims, their families, and everyone else impacted by this terrible act of violence carried out in our community. Words fall short of describing the tragedy that took place this morning, and we are all left incredibly shaken. This is something you hope never happens in your community, in the town you call home. I also think of the emergency personnel who responded to the tragic scenes and request you keep them in your prayers.” – Statement by Mayor Jessica Engelke regarding the violence that left three dead, and one critically injured.
Shooting Victims
The four victims of Friday’s shooting in North Bend have been identified by the authorities. The clerk shot and killed at the Herbal Choices marijuana dispensary has been identified as 47-year old Jennifer L. Davidson, Coos Bay. The couple run over at the Mill Casino RV Park has been identified as 74-year old Anthony Oyster and 73-year old Linda Oyster, both of Florida. A fourth victim, 83-year old Charles Simms Nicholson, who owned the truck that was later found on fire in Lane Co., was found deceased in a travel trailer at the RV Park. It is believed he died of homicidal violence. He is the father of the suspect.
Suspect Identified
Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday’s shooting in North Bend that left four people dead. 30-year old Oen Evan Nicholson, a former resident of California, has been reportedly living in the North Bend area since last October. He is considered armed and dangerous.