SAR Three-Sisters Wilderness, Lane Co.
On Saturday, July 6th, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue mobilized to rescue a fallen climber at high elevation on the North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The climber likely had several broken bones and was on an exposed scree slide taking rockfall. He was able to call 911 and give updates on his location and condition. A Lane County Sheriff’s SAR deputy deployed to high elevation via a LifeFlight helicopter, while Deschutes County Sheriff’s SAR volunteers deployed via an AirLink helicopter. An additional backup team of SAR volunteers began climbing to the location as well. Once the climber was located, the SAR personnel flown in by helicopters were able to climb to his location, provide medical care, and move him from the precarious slope. An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter responded and airlifted the patient to an area hospital for additional medical care. AirLink retrieved the rescuers from the climber’s location, while the backup team climbed back down and hiked out. This rescue required a great deal of coordination and staff, including the 3 involved helicopters. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office thanks our Search & Rescue volunteers, which includes Eugene Mountain Rescue, and thanks to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, LifeFlight, AirLink, and the Oregon Army National Guard. Nearly every week, Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue
Arson Suspect, Cedar Flats, Lane Co.
On July 8th at about 4:45 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an arson in the 87400 block of Cedar Flat Road. Fire personnel and witnesses advised a male had intentionally set two fires in dry grass on the property. Deputies deployed a K9, and were assisted by Oregon State Police troopers as well as a Springfield Police K9 and drones from the Springfield and Eugene Police Departments. Area residents began checking their security cameras and spreading the word to their neighbors as deputies, troopers, and officers searched the area. Eventually, the suspect was spotted in the 8700 block of Thurston Road. Deputies and officers quickly responded and arrested the suspect, identified as Michael David Dinwiddie, 41, of Springfield. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1st Degree and Burglary in the 2nd Degree. Thanks to the many residents who watched out for their neighborhood and assisted with locating the suspect.