Wanted Felon Nabbed on Central Coast, Jan. 25

On January 20th, 2021 at about 12:36 PM Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the area of NW 26th St and NW Jetty Ave on the report of a suspicious male who was carrying multiple packages in his arms as he was running towards the beachfront. The caller suspected the packages had been stolen from a nearby residence and identified the suspect as Nicholas Ballentine. It was known to Lincoln City Officers that there was an active No-Bail Felony Warrant for Parole Violation issued by the Oregon State Parole Board for the arrest of 32-year-old Nicholas Alan Ballentine of Lincoln City. Officers obtained a good description of Ballentine, as well as a last know direction of travel. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Akin and K-9 Ghost arrived at the location and the officers and K-9 Ghost began an active search for Ballentine. The search lead down to the beach area in front of the Pelican Shores Inn. Ballentine was spotted, and as officers approached he turned and began running northbound on the beach. The officers and K-9 Ghost gave chase while yelling for Ballentine to stop. After a short foot pursuit, Ballentine did stop and complied with commands to get down on the ground, and was taken into custody without further incident. During a search of Ballentine’s person, officers discovered him to be in possession of a small amount of suspected Methamphetamine, as well as an amount of suspected Psilocybin mushrooms. Ballantine was escorted to a patrol car and subsequently transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the Felony Parole Violation Warrant, as well as being charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession Psilocybin. A backpack that Ballentine was wearing at the time of his arrest was seized for evidence and the investigation into the suspected theft of packages is continuing. Anyone living in the general area where Ballentine was seen running who is missing packages that had been delivered is asked to contact Officer Erik Anderson at (541) 994-3636. The Lincoln City Police would like to express our thanks to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident, along with a special thank you to Deputy Akin and K-9 Ghost for their help in locating and capturing the suspect. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.