Cottage Grove man missing
COTTAGE GROVE – The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Herbert Elroy Stout, 80, of Cottage Grove, who was reported missing from his home on Raisor Road. He was last seen this morning and has a history of hitchhiking. Stout is a white male, approximately 5’6”, weighing 135 pounds, with gray hair in a ponytail, blue eyes, and a white beard. He was last seen wearing glasses, a maroon shirt, and light blue jeans. He suffers from dementia and a seizure disorder. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
Man arrested for Lowell murder
LOWELL – On July 31 at about noon, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives responded to a report of a deceased person in the forest about 10 miles east of Lowell. Initial investigation revealed the person’s death was the result of homicidal violence. The victim was identified as Michael Gene Prentiss, 52, of Lowell. Detectives quickly located and detained the suspect in the area, identified as Aaron Douglas Omer, 53, of Eugene. After additional investigation, Omer was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Murder in the 2nd Degree.
Police looking for suspect
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance in identifying a person of interest in a criminal investigation. The individual, a black male adult, stands 5’10”, weighs approximately 180 pounds, has black hair and a full beard. Authorities do not consider him a threat to the community. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141, referencing case 25-3347.
Multiple sex abuse allegations
SPRINGFIELD – On Aug. 7, Springfield Police reported multiple sex abuse investigations involving Ransom Richard Gee, a 28-year-old male from Springfield. Between June 2 and July 11, 2025, police received reports of Gee allegedly forcing sexual encounters on females while intoxicated. The incidents involved him entering the bedrooms of known associates without their consent. Gee has been arrested in connection with these cases, which include ongoing investigations into similar reports. He faces charges that include Sex Abuse I, Sodomy I, and Attempted Rape I. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information on these or similar incidents to come forward.
Grass fires cause stir
SPRINGFIELD – Eugene Springfield Fire responded to two grass fires Aug. 10.
The first fire occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Deadman Ferry Road near Riverbend Hospital. Firefighters faced a rapidly spreading blaze in dense vegetation, ultimately containing it to about 3/4 of an acre. The cause is under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
Shortly after, at approximately 5:30 p.m., crews were dispatched to another fire near the Grenada Mobile Home Park, located in the 5300 block of Daisy Street. Firefighters found flames burning in a ditch behind a fence and a shed. They successfully contained the fire to the shed and surrounding grass. The cause of this fire is also under investigation.
Water rescues persist
EUGENE — The Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to a water rescue on the Willamette River on Aug. 9. Firefighters were called around 6:45 p.m. for an individual swept away in the current near the Owosso Bridge. Boat 6 located the victim 30 minutes later, below the surface, and brought them to a waiting ambulance. The individual was transported in critical condition, and their status is unknown. The search effort involved collaboration with the LCSO and EPD.
On Aug. 3, two flipped kayakers on the Willamette River were rescued thanks to their life jackets. In another incident, two people without life jackets were rescued from an overturned boat on the McKenzie River. Later, two individuals stranded on an island after their inner tube popped were safely rescued in the morning while wearing life jackets.
