Skip to main content

TNG725

Page 1

Join the conversation - take the poll............... PAGE 5 Meet Abelina Pérez Pablo............................... PAGE 2

July 25, 2023

Lincoln City’s Largest and Most Trusted News Source Since 1927

$1.50

$50,000 reward offered for capture of shooting suspect JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc. A wanted fugitive who allegedly gunned down a Lincoln City Police officer in 2011 is still on the loose. The FBI has announced up to a $50,000 David Durham reward offered for informa-

tion leading to the location and arrest of the fugitive, David Durham. Durham is wanted for attempted aggravated murder after shooting Lincoln City Police Officer Steve Dodds multiple times in January 2011. In addition to the increased reward, the FBI, under its Regional Fugitive Program, will also be adding additional investigators with a concentrated effort to locate Durham.

Background At approximately 11 p.m. Jan. 23, 2011, Officer Dodds pulled over an SUV for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Durham, reportedly shot Dodds multiple times, critically wounding him, according to the FBI. Durham then fled the area. A police chase ensued, and Durham exchanged gunfire with officers before abandon-

ing his vehicle in Waldport. Durham disappeared and there have been no confirmed sightings since. Dodds was flown to a medical facility in Portland for treatment. “The fact that David Durham has been a free man for more than a decade after nearly killing a Lincoln City Police officer is unacceptable,” says Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office.

“We are increasing this reward from $10,000 to $50,000 in the hopes that someone comes forward with information that will help us find Durham and hold him accountable for his heinous actions.” “David Durham ended the career, and almost ended the life, of one of LCPD’s finest officers. We will not stop looking for Durham until he is in custody,” LCPD Lead Detective Charles Lane said. “The FBI has worked in

close partnership with the Lincoln City Police Department since the beginning of this investigation and we would like to express our gratitude to the FBI for their continued assistance with the investigation of this case,” LCPD Lt. and Public information Officer Jeffrey Winn said. “We hope that this additional renewed effort by the FBI will generate the tip that is needed to locate See SHOOTER, Page 10

Wildfire Preparedness

A Clear and Present

DANGER

Officials say they’re seeing a ‘significant increase’ in human caused fires in Oregon JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reports a “specific increase in human caused fires” across the state this summer. “The human-caused blazes range from campfires, escaped debris burning, industrial operations, folks working in the forest, and we

are also concerned about vehicles, such as RVs and trailers, dragging chains that can spark a fire,” ODF Public Affairs Officer Derek Gasperini said. Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency, may result in fines and See INCREASE, Page 12

EVACUATION LEVELS LEVEL ONE

LEVEL TWO

LEVEL THREE

Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media for information. This is the time for preparation and movement of persons with special needs, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. This may be the only notice you receive.

Leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

Be Ready

Get Set

GO!

Police seeks public help in finding those responsible for ‘suspicious fires’ JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc. The Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) is requesting the assistance of the public with their investigation into several fires that have been started in local wooded areas. Over the last few weeks, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and the Lincoln City Police Department have responded to several fires in and around the Agnes Creek Open Space. Officers, firefighters, and citizens have worked together to put out these fires, which could

have threatened residences in the area. As of July 18, LCPD has seized evidence from these fires, which is being analyzed at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. However, LCPD is reaching out to the public to request that anyone with any information about these fires come forward. “These are clearly intentionally set, human-started fires. These are not accidental camping or cooking fires,” Lt. Jeffery Winn said. “The Echo Mountain fires remain fresh in the minds of the people who lived through See SUSPICIOUS, Page 12

Study: past personal experience increases likelihood of disaster preparedness MOLLY ROISBACH News Guard Guest Article Residents who experienced direct harm from Oregon’s 2020 wildfires are more likely to take steps to mitigate their fire risk in the future, an Oregon State University study found. They’re also more apt to participate in community-helping activities like donating to and volunteering with emergency response groups after wildfires. Disaster preparedness actions for wildfire risk may include preparing an evacuation

plan, replacing flammable building materials, assembling an evacuation kit, improving air filtration and removing vegetation near the home, among others. The OSU study provides a more comprehensive examination of people’s experience with wildfire than most prior wildfire research, the authors say, because it asked about both mitigation and community-based responses. Researchers also asked detailed questions about the harm caused by the 2020 wildfires See PREPAREDNESS, Page 12

TheNewsGuard.com

WEATHER

INDEX Police Blotter ............ 3 Opinion ...................... 5

Classifieds.................. 7 Comics ...................... 11

VOL. 96 NO. 28

TUE.

WED.

THU.

FRI.

SAT.

SUN.

MON.

63º/52º

64º/53º

63º/53º

64º/53º

64º/53º

64º/54º

65º/54º


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook