Attempted Homicide, July 14

Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested a 56-year old Washington man Saturday after he allegedly threatened to kill and rob a hitchhiker at knife-point while giving the victim a ride along Highway 101 on the southern Oregon coast.  On July 12, 2014 at approximately 1:56 p.m., OSP was notified by Curry County 9-1-1 of a report that a hitchhiker was robbed by a suspect who was last seen southbound on Highway 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings. A vehicle description including license plate was provided. The victim had been given a ride by some people passing through the area to Brookings where he reported the incident and was contacted by OSP Senior Trooper Jeff Johnson at Brookings Police Department.  The victim, DANIEL DEDARD GUAU, age 28, from Quebec City, Quebec, Canada reported he was picked up by the suspect while hitchhiking on the northern Oregon coast. As they traveled along the southern Oregon coast near milepost 345, the suspect allegedly pulled a knife on the victim, placed it against his throat and threatened to kill him. The suspect, later identified as SAMUEL NILS STROM, age 56, from Lynnwood, Washington, slashed at the victim and forced him from the vehicle, leaving him on the side of the road. STROM left in the vehicle with the victim’s passport and other personal property.  Through the trooper’s investigation the suspect was positively identified. At approximately 6:13 p.m., the trooper learned the suspect’s vehicle was parked at a residence west of Highway 101 between Brookings and the Oregon/California border. OSP troopers found the vehicle and observed the victim’s property and a knife inside the vehicle. Subsequent contact with STROM led OSP to take him into custody for Attempted Criminal Homicide, Robbery in the First Degree, and Menacing.  Troopers were able to return the victim’s property to him after seizing it from the vehicle.