CBPD release – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is investigating a homicide after a man was found deceased outside a business along Ocean Blvd in Coos Bay. On December 12, 2023, at 6:24 a.m., the North Coos 9-1-1 Center received a 9-1-1 call that a man had been found with a gunshot wound near Umpqua Dairy, 2640 Ocean Blvd in Coos Bay. CBPD officers responded to the area at 6:27 a.m. and found the man was deceased. CBPD began an initial investigation and activated the Coos County Major Crimes Team to assist, a team that includes members from local law enforcement agencies. Officers are early into their investigation and are canvassing the surrounding neighborhood to gather more information. We have not yet identified the male victim or a suspect. We believe this to be an isolated criminal act, and there is no evidence to support the idea that there is a current danger to the public. Further updates will be made when there is more information available. If you have information on this case or were in the area of Ocean Blvd between 6:00-7:00 a.m. on December 12, 2023, please call CBPD at 541-269-8911 or Coos Stop Crime at 541-267-6666. UPDATE 12/12/23 3:15 p.m. – The homicide victim has been identified as 56-year-old Willam Averill of Coos Bay. Next of kin notification has been made. The vehicle belonging to Mr. Averill, a silver 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup with Oregon plate ZJM817, has not been located. The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) requests that if you see Mr. Averill’s vehicle do not approach it, and immediately call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement. Additionally, CBPD is still looking to contact the occupants of a dark-colored SUV who flagged down a passing motorist and requested help regarding this case. If you have any information on this case or were in the area of Ocean Blvd between 6:00-7:00 a.m. on December 12, 2023, please call CBPD at 541-269-8911 or Coos Stop Crime at 541-267-6666. Further updates will continue to be made when there is more information available. UPDATE 12/12/23 4:30 p.m. – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) has developed a person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation. The person of interest is 47-year-old Jason Lynn Crouch. Mr. Crouch has ties to the Portland area. Please contact the CBPD at 541-269-8911 if you have seen Mr. Crouch or are aware of his whereabouts. UPDATE 12/12/23 5:30 p.m. – The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) has been notified that Mr. Averill’s vehicle, the silver 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup with Oregon license plate ZJM817, has been located. Mr. Averill’s vehicle is of no further interest to this agency.
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