News Release from Newport PD. On January 28rd, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., Newport Police Officers were dispatched to the Newport Roadway Inn at 206 North Coast Highway on the report of a Burglary and Theft. Victims reported they had left their room for the day. When they returned from work, they discovered someone had entered their room and taken their possessions. Further investigation revealed whoever had entered the room had left items behind, including a store receipt. Newport Police Officers were able to use the receipt to obtain video footage of the suspect. Officers identified the suspect as Zachary H. Smith, age 30 of Toledo. Newport Police Officers learned that Smith had taken some of the stolen items to pawn at a local business. The business refused to buy the stolen items from Smith, who then became angry and broke items. Newport Police Officers located Smith on the morning of January 29th, 2016. He was still in possession of stolen items, and admitted to the theft. Smith was taken into custody, and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Burglary 1st Degree, Theft 2nd Degree, Attempted Theft 1st Degree, and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree.
