Police apprehend armed felon
SPRINGFIELD — In the early morning hours of Dec. 3, Springfield Police apprehended a 26-year-old felon, Tyson Suriya Boutdavong, who was reportedly armed and had threatened another individual’s life.
Officers received a call concerning Boutdavong’s alarming behavior, which included threats made with a firearm. It was alleged that he was in possession of both a pistol and an AR-15-style rifle. Shortly after the report, police spotted Boutdavong in his vehicle at a nearby business, but he rapidly fled the scene.
In an ensuing pursuit, Boutdavong drove erratically, prompting officers to enact a traffic stop. When he refused to comply, police deployed a spike strip, which ultimately led to Boutdavong losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a power pole on Bob Straub Parkway.
Boutdavong was taken into custody without further incident. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered both the pistol and the AR-15-style rifle. He has been lodged at the Lane County Jail, facing multiple charges, including unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, DUII, eluding police, reckless driving, and menacing.
Pedestrian seriously injured in Springfield traffic Incident
SPRINGFIELD — A 66-year-old man is in critical condition following a vehicle versus pedestrian crash that took place at the intersection of Franklin Blvd and Old Franklin Blvd. early Dec. 5.
The Springfield Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:39 PM, where they found the male pedestrian lying in the roadway. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a local hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating. The department’s Major Accident Investigation Team has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Springfield Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and contact them via the non-emergency line at 541-726-3714.
K9 thwarts fentanyl distribution
SPRINGFIELD — In a significant drug seizure, the Springfield Police Department’s K9 Narcotics Team, led by K9 Cash, intercepted approximately one pound of powdered fentanyl before it could reach the streets of Springfield. Police said last week that the drug was cleverly concealed inside a children’s toy, showcasing the lengths to which traffickers will go to disguise harmful substances.
Officials report that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can prove fatal, making this seizure a critical intervention that has potentially saved countless lives. The estimated street value of the confiscated fentanyl is nearly $50,000.
Package theft leads to arrest
SPRINGFIELD — Authorities on Nov. 21 apprehended a wanted felon following an investigation into a package theft that occurred the day before, on the 4900 block of Glacier Drive. The theft involved over $500 worth of vehicle parts that were vital for the victim to make crucial repairs.
The police responded to the scene after receiving a report about the stolen packages. Surveillance footage from the victim’s doorbell camera captured clear images of the suspect and the vehicle associated with the crime. This footage was quickly disseminated on social media, leading to a potential breakthrough in the case as community members shared information that aided the investigation.
In follow-up efforts, officers visited the 5400 block of E Street, where they discovered some of the stolen items on the front porch of a residence. While speaking with a female at the location, officers observed a male suspect fleeing from the back of the house. The suspect was later identified as 48-year-old Daniel Alvin Lopez, who made a desperate dash across multiple lanes of 126.
A swift response from the Springfield Police Department, including a K9 unit and aerial support from a police drone, enabled officers to track Lopez’s movements and ultimately apprehend him without further incident.
Upon his arrest, officers discovered that Lopez was already wanted on multiple charges, including felony assault. He has since been charged with Theft II in connection with the package theft, and additional charges include Assault IV-APA (Felony), Coercion, Interfering with Making a Report, and multiple warrants for failure to appear. Lopez was lodged at the Lane County Jail as the investigation continues.
Springfield Police apprehend barricaded suspect
SPRINGFIELD – A standoff in a residential neighborhood ended safely on Nov. 27, when Springfield police apprehended a suspect involved in a stolen vehicle incident. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Calvin Luarca, was taken into custody after a coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
The situation unfolded at approximately 10:06 a.m. when a Springfield Police Department officer patrolling the Gateway area discovered a stolen vehicle parked in front of a residence on Fiesta Drive. As two men exited the vehicle, the officer ordered them to stop. While one man complied, Luarca fled into a nearby home, prompting the officer to call for backup.
Springfield Police deployed multiple resources, including SWAT, K9 units, and drone operators. The Eugene Police Department and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office also provided crucial support during the operation. Crisis negotiators were able to contact several individuals inside the home, ensuring their safe removal.
Authorities learned that Luarca had possibly been armed and made threatening remarks about confronting police. After several unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with him, Luarca exited the rear of the house, where he was apprehended by a K9 unit.
Once the situation was secured, drone operators from the Metro Drone Team inspected the residence to confirm there were no other occupants inside. A subsequent search warrant execution revealed a firearm and ammunition in the home. He was charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon and unlawful use, and was lodged at Lane County Jail.
