Tuesday afternoon, July 12, deputies received information that 29 year old David Joseph Essary was spotted at a campsite in the area of Forest Service Rd. #19 outside of Westfir. The camp had been located by an Oregon State Police Trooper and the US Marshall’s Service were able to confirm Essary’s presence. Essary is believed to have burgarlized a Eugene area tactical supply store in May, stealing over $30,000 in body armor and firearm parts. In the days following the burglary, investigators located the vehicle that was used in the commission of the burglary and impounded it. Essary is believed to have intentionally set fire to it early one morning as the vehicle was stored in a tow yard. Investigators learned that Essary had made statements that he would do anything to avoid being arrested. Tuesday, shortly before 5:30pm, members from the LCSO Special Response Team, Springfield SWAT Team and investigators from the US Marshalls Service converged on Essary’s camp. Essary briefly attempted to flee by jumping into a nearby river, however he was quickly detained. Essary’s girlfriend, 22 year old Brenda Ann Crow, was also taken into custody. Located in Essary’s campsite was a loaded handgun and stolen cargo trailer. The cargo trailer had been stolen from a Springfield area construction contractor. Investigators are currently working to return the trailer and remaining personal property to its rightful owners. Essary was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including: Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Body Armor, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Burglary Tools. Crow was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including: Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, Arson in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Burglary Tools. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our gratitude to the Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, and US Marshall’s Service for their assistance in this case.
