The Oregon State Police Mobile Response Team (MRT) assisted the Newport Police Department and the OSP Newport Area Command with the 40th Annual Seafood and Wine Festival Feb. 23-26 at Newport. The event can bring over 20,000 visitors to the area, which can put a strain on local law enforcement personnel and the Oregon State Police is committed to assisting local communities. Over the four day event the OSP supported local area with additional traffic enforcement. The focus was on DUII enforcement, Distracted Driving, Seatbelt Usage and Speed Enforcement. There were over 9 DUII arrests, which is more than twice as many last year. There were three crashes, one which was a fatal crash. In addition, Troopers cited one person for Distracted Driving and warned another, five persons were warned for Seatbelt violations, 27 persons were warned for Speed violations and eight were cited, while 42 persons were warned for Lane Usage violations. Troopers warned 150 persons for other violations to include Driving While Suspended, Driving Uninsured, Fail to Obey Traffic Control Device, Equipment violations etc. Several persons were lodged in jail on warrants and Troopers assisted Newport Police Department with a suicidal subject that jumped off the Yaquina Bay Bridge. The subject fell 130 feet from the bridge to the water and received only minor injuries. The Mobile Response Team (MRT) provides augmented patrol presence during large scale events around the State of Oregon by means of foot patrols, bicycle patrols and general patrols. MRT also provides tactical response to our partner agencies to assist with civil unrest.
