Threats in a Public Restroom
CBPD release – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) arrested a North Bend man on sex abuse charges after he entered a restroom inside a business and threatened a child. On April 5, 2024, around 12:17 p.m., the CBPD received a report from Bay Area Hospital that a man had made sexual threats and statements to a child inside a women’s restroom inside their facility. Bay Area Hospital security had the man detained upon the CBPD officers’ arrival. The man, identified as 26-year-old Aaron McMillen of North Bend, was arrested and transported to the Coos County Jail on the below listed charges: • Invasion of Personal Privacy 2nd degree – 2 counts; • Attempted Sodomy 1st degree; • Attempted Sex Abuse 1st degree; • Disorderly Conduct 2nd degree. Our community’s safety is the CBPD’s top priority. The CBPD believes that there is no continued danger to the public following this incident. We are grateful that the child involved in this incident is safe and that her quick thinking and actions led to this outcome. Restroom safety tips: • Always be aware of your surroundings. • Look around prior to entering the restroom area, and immediately leave if you notice someone acting suspiciously. • Always secure the bathroom stall door. • Have your cell phone ready in case of an emergency. • Do not approach suspicious individuals.
Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm
CBPD release – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) arrested a North Bend man on traffic-related charges, seized his vehicle for a search warrant, and found a loaded firearm. On April 5, 2024, around 12:29 p.m., the CBPD conducted a traffic stop on a bronze 1999 Plymouth 4-door vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, 41-year-old Kermit Gaston III of North Bend, was arrested for misdemeanor level Driving While Suspended. Mr. Gaston was transported to the Coos County Jail. CBPD officers requested a hazard tow for the vehicle, which was blocking in other vehicles in a parking lot. Upon the tow company’s arrival, a firearm was spotted inside the vehicle. The CBPD seized the car for a search warrant that was later obtained and executed on the vehicle. A loaded firearm was seized from Mr. Gaston’s vehicle during the search warrant, along with other items. Mr. Gaston will be referred to the Coos County District Attorney for additional charges based on the results of the search warrant.
Arrested on Fatal Pedestrian Accident
CBPD release – A North Bend man was taken into custody by the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) on a warrant issued in relation to a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in 2023. On April 7, 2024, around 1:10 p.m., the CBPD arrested a Jesse Yarber, 34, of North Bend, on a CBPD warrant that was issued regarding the fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in 2023. Mr. Yarber had been driving a vehicle on August 16, 2023, that left the road at South 4th Street and Anderson Avenue, killing Jenifer Centers-Buell, 54, who was seated in an empty lot. Mr. Yarber was transported to the Coos County Jail on the below-listed warrant charges, with a bail of $1,000,000: • Manslaughter 1; • Reckless Driving; • Recklessly Endangering Another Person – 4 counts; • Criminal Mischief 2.