On Sunday, Feb. 23, at 8:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 99, near milepost 3, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Acura MDX, operated by Jaidene Raie Torgison, 18, of Creswell, struck a pedestrian, Gary Dale Obert, 54, of Eugene.
Obert was declared dead at the scene. Torgison and her passenger, a juvenile male (17), were reportedly uninjured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
The next day, on Monday, Feb. 24, a pedestrian was hit and injured by a vehicle on East 22nd Avenue in Eugene.
Around 11:48 a.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the 3700 block of East 22nd Avenue. The pedestrian, a 48-year-old unidentified man, was found conscious in the roadway and was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses indicated that the suspect vehicle’s driver fled the scene but later returned and is cooperating with authorities. The Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the ongoing investigation.
Assault suspect arrested
DEXTER — On Feb. 19, deputies from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office apprehended George Martin Jr., wanted for an assault that took place on Dec. 26, 2024, in the Dexter area. Authorities located Martin at a residence in southern Lane County and arrested him without incident. He is now being held at the Lane County Jail on a charge of Assault in the Second Degree. The case has been sent to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Shooting investigation underway
MOHAWK VALLEY — The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting on Feb. 17 at a residence in the 27000 block of West 11th Avenue. Authorities have identified the victims as 89-year-old Paul Allan Turner and 84-year-old Beverly Jean Turner, who were found deceased with gunshot wounds. Their son, 59-year-old Christopher Allan Turner, was detained at the scene and has been charged with two counts of Murder in the First Degree.
Deputies responded to a report of deceased individuals at a residence in the 36000 block of McGowan Creek Road shortly after 3 p.m.. Upon arrival, fire personnel confirmed the deaths of the two adults.
Additionally, officers are investigating an illegal marijuana grow at the same property. Further updates will be provided as the investigations develop. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.
One injured in apartment fire
SPRINGFIELD – A second-alarm fire broke out at the Northgate Manor Apartments in the 1800 block of L St early on Feb. 12, prompting a swift response from Eugene Springfield Fire. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 2:44 a.m. to find heavy flames emanating from the second floor of the two-story building.
Fire crews quickly focused on searching for victims and combating the intense blaze, which had spread to another apartment and the attic. Due to the fire’s severity and the number of units affected, additional resources were called in as part of the second alarm.
One occupant suffered smoke inhalation and injuries from jumping from the second floor and was transported to the hospital while other residents were safely evacuated. Firefighters used ladders to access areas where conventional entry was not possible. Two units were damaged in the fire.
Several cats perished in the fire; however, 15 cats, including several kittens, were rescued and taken to Station 3 for care before being retrieved by the Springfield Police Department.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
