The arrest stemmed from a multi-month investigation by the Union County Drug Task Force Detective, which resulted in the subsequent search warrant served today on their RV. The transient father and son had been living in the Walmart parking lot.

Scott Mann, DOB 10/7/1984, is being charged with possession of methamphetamine and frequenting a place where drugs are sold. Steven Mann, DOB 12/11/2003, is charged with felony possession of a substantial quantity of a controlled substance – cocaine, distribution of a substantial quantity of controlled substance – cocaine, possession of cannabinoid extracts not from OLCC and frequenting a place where drugs are sold.

The UCSO and the Oregon State Police K9 unit assisted Drug Task Force.

The post Father and son arrested on drug charges first appeared on Union County Sheriff's Office.

At 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Hamlin was arrested on a felony warrant charging first-degree kidnapping, Second-degree assault, Second-degree robbery, and Third-degree assault. He was also charged with attempt to elude on foot, attempt to elude in a vehicle and reckless driving.

Hamlin, DOB 10-5-1990, of La Grande, was already under surveillance by the Union County Drug Taskforce for suspicion of possible drug activity. Hamlin’s vehicle was surveilled today when the Union County Detective attempted a traffic stop with a vehicle believed to belong to Hamlin. Moments later, Union County Sheriff Deputies saw Hamlin leaving the area In another vehicle and they quickly followed.

Hamlin refused to stop and began to drive through town at a high rate of speed around 12:30 p.m. Law enforcement quickly terminated the pursuit due to the danger to the public and lost sight of the suspect. Thanks to phone calls to our dispatch center complaining of Hamlin’s recklessness, law enforcement was able to relocate Hamlin in the Flying J area. It is believed Hamlin drove through the Foothill Road area, and ended up on the Interstate near milepost 270. He then left his vehicle and ran on foot.

A witness called and identified a male subject matching Hamlin’s description going into the wooded area.

Deputies quickly set up a containment with the help of Oregon State Police, surrounding the area. K9 Molly was deployed, along with Deputy Hamilton who arrived on scene with the Sheriff’s Office drone to search for the suspect.

The residents who lived in the area were notified of Hamlin’s possible proximity and warned to stay in their homes and be on the lookout.

Hamlin was finally seen running toward a residence when law enforcement took him into custody.

Hamlin has been involved in multiple pursuits in the past.

The Union County Drug Taskforce and Deputies were assisted by the La Grande Police Department and Oregon State Police.

The post One in custody following pursuit first appeared on Union County Sheriff's Office.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose Morgan Willis, DOB 2-26-1989, and Phillip Robert Walsh, DOB 4-14-1984, were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and frequenting a place where controlled substances are used. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges will likely be added. There was also additional people within the residence and as the investigation continues, may also get criminally charged.

These arrests were made possible largely due to the drug taskforce being reinstated.

The deputies gathered a large quantity of suspected fentanyl, tar heroin, powder heroin, methamphetamine and prescription drugs in excess of $3000 estimated street value.

After Measure 110 was passed, the taskforce had to disband due to the decriminalization of small amounts of illegal drugs. With House Bill 2645, which gave law enforcement more standing to charge for illegal drugs, the taskforce has been reinstated. The taskforce will actively work toward stopping drug trafficking in Union County.

While that is a priority for the Sheriff’s Office, the mission statement for the agency is to provide Professional Law Enforcement Service with Honesty, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Firmness, Fairness and with Compassion and Valor to the citizens of Union County.

For the Sheriff’s Office, and for Sheriff Cody Bowen, keeping the compassion is important.

One of these photos shows the Sheriff speaking to Walsh and Willis. Bowen, who knows one of the suspects well, took the time during the investigation to speak to her and ask her what led her down this path again.

“If we lose our compassion, then we lose a part of what makes this community great,” Bowen said.

UCSO would like to thank the Oregon State Police with their assistance in this investigation.

The post Two charged after search warrant served first appeared on Union County Sheriff's Office.