Rafters Rescued on Willamette River
On Saturday, May 18th at about 3:15 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol and Search & Rescue Deputies responded to a water rescue along with Eugene Springfield Fire. The rescue took place on and around the low head dam, a concrete structure in the Willamette River east of I-5 that has formed an enormous log jam. A total of six people were rescued, including two in shallow water below the dam and one on the dam. None had life jackets, and were floating on inner tubes. Five had gone over the dam into the strainer, while one managed to grab onto a log. Had they gone under the log jam, they likely would not have survived. Lane County has miles of beautiful water ways and warm spring weather. Please enjoy safely. Wear a life jacket. Scout the river ahead. Check river obstructions before you go. For those floating the Willamette River in the Eugene / Springfield area, be very cautious passing low head dam, to include taking out well before the obstruction to go around it. View an interactive map of obstructions from the Oregon State Marine Board at oregon-boating-obstructions-geo.hub.arcgis.com.
Shooting Outside Junction City
On May 19th at about 1:30 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a dispute with shots fired in the 28700 block of Bailey Lane, south of Junction City. Investigation determined David Lynn Parker, 69, drove to the location while intoxicated to confront several Hispanic workers about a perceived theft. Parker pointed a rifle at a worker and fired several times, injuring him. The worker then struck Parker, knocking him unconscious, and secured the firearm. Parker also made racially derogatory comments about the victims. Parker was evaluated for his injury then lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Assault in the Second Degree, Bias Crime in the First Degree x3, Menacing x4, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon x3, Reckless Endangering x4, Coercion, and DUII. Parker was still in custody as of May 21st.
