Nantharath Thilavans Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Booking Photo

On December 9th at about 11:50AM, the Newport Police Department responded to the report of an unwanted subject at Agate Beach RV Park on Highway 101 in Newport. The suspect, identified as 53-year old Nantharath Thilavans of Portland was contacted. Two Newport Police Officers and one Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived and contacted Thilavans. He reportedly became combative and multiple attempts at non-lethal force were applied including use of pepper spray and taser applications without success.

During the altercation Thilavans raised a dangerous weapon and threatened the officers. One officer fired his duty weapon at the suspect, striking him and critically injuring him. He was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport for his injuries. He was then subsequently taken by air ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis for continued treatment. This is an ongoing investigation. According to State Police they will release more information when it becomes available.

Hwy 101 at the north end of Newport was closed for several hours and was opened to one lane around 4pm.