On February 12, 2017, at 7:10 p.m., Newport Police Officers responded to the 100 Block of SW Coast Hwy in Newport on the report of a subject in the area pointing a handgun at others. The report described a male with a semi-automatic handgun in front of the Dollar Tree store, pointing the gun at other patrons and vehicles as they passed by.
Police Officers responded to the area, and located the subject walking southbound on the west side of Hwy 101. As officers approached the subject, he confronted the Officers, and drew a handgun from a holster concealed on his hip. Police Officers drew their weapons, and gave verbal commands to the subject, who dropped his weapon and surrendered. Police Officers secured the weapon, and took the subject him into custody. During the confrontation, Police Officers blocked Hwy 101 to prevent harm to pedestrians.
The subject was identified as Jason William Orcutt, age 43 of Klamath Falls. Upon close inspection of Orcutt’s firearm, it was determined to be a plastic replica. Orcutt told Police Officers he had been having trouble with other people in the area, and had purchased the handgun to scare them off.
Orcutt was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the following charges: Menacing; Disorderly Conduct. His bail was set at $25,000.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.
